Former radio host sues network over infamous ‘royal prank’

More than a decade after the royal prank call that triggered international outrage and ended in tragedy, former 2DayFM host Michael Christian has filed a lawsuit against Southern Cross Austereo.

More than a decade after the infamous “royal prank call” that made global headlines and ended in tragedy, former 2DayFM radio host Michael Christian has launched legal action against Southern Cross Austereo (SCA.).

Michael Christian and Mel Greig were presenting on 2Day FM on 4 December 2012 when they made the phone call to the King Edward VII hospital in London.

Princess Catherine, then the Duchess of Cambridge, had been admitted to the hospital for severe morning sickness ahead of her first child’s birth.

Christian alleges he was ordered by 2Day FM’s production team to make a prank call to the hospital and impersonate the then Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth to try to gain access to the duchess.

Unexpectedly, their call was transferred by a nurse, Jacintha Saldanha, to the Duchess’ nurse who disclosed the Duchess’ private medical information.

2Day FM’s Michael Christian and Mel Greig being interviewed on Today Tonight Picture: 7 Ch

Saldanha took her own life days after the prank call, leading to widespread backlash against the radio hosts and broadcaster.

Until now, Christian has never spoken publicly about what happened behind the scenes and claims the broadcaster did not “step in” but rather let its radio presenters take the blame, negatively impacting their careers, court documents allege.

Christian has allegedly suffered physical and psychological injury, hurt, humiliation, distress and dislocation to life and significant damage to his reputation and professional standing, resulting in consequential loss and loss of future earning capacity.

This has resulted in Christian suing SCA under the Fair Work Act, the Corporation’s Act as a Whistleblower, and under Common Law for Breach of Contract.

Christian and Greig allegedly called out Southern Cross Austereo and tried to prevent the company from crossing the line but were left in the cold after the suicide, the documents say.

“SCA did not immediately take public accountability for the incident, but rather allowed Mr Christian and Ms Greig to be left exposed to relentless public vitriol, harassment and abuse, including death threats,” his lawyers wrote.

Sydney radio station 2Day FM presenters Mel Greig (R) and Michael Christian (L) leaving the 2Day FM radio office in Sydney's World Square. Picture: AFP Photo

“The radio presenters were left by SCA as the convenient fall guys and scapegoats for SCA management decisions and noncompliance.”

Greig made a tearful apology to Saldanha’s family at an inquest into the nurse’s death in 2014, placing the blame on the radio station and commercial radio culture.

An SCA spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph, “As the matter is currently before the courts, and out of respect for the legal process and the privacy of those involved, it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time.”

Christian says he started as a 2Day FM presenter just two days before the prank call, which he alleges breached the Australian Communications and Media Authority code of practice.

He claims he was told in early 2013 the broadcaster would help restore his reputation and rebuild his career.

2Day FM radio station signage is displayed outside the station's building in Sydney. Picture: AFP PHOTO / Greg Wood

He remained working for 2Day FM and did not pursue legal proceedings against them because of this promise, court documents read.

However, the firm failed to provide meaningful health support, did not start a public-relations campaign to rebuild his brand, and failed to offer meaningful opportunities or pay rises to reward his loyalty, he alleges.

Instead, he claims he was “gradually marginalised” within the organisation.

Christian did not sign a release preventing him from speaking publicly about his time at the broadcaster, instead retaining lawyers after learning of his impending redundancy in February.

“Mr Christian claims that the redundancy was not genuine, particularly in circumstances where SCA still requires Mr Christian’s former role to be performed,” court documents allege.

Christian is seeking penalties, compensation for economic loss and damages.

The matter is yet to appear before the federal court.

It comes after Greig’s 2013 claim to Fair Work Australia, alleging Southern Cross Austereo failed to provide a safe working environment.

The case was ultimately settled, and Greig later resigned from the network.