Jackie O forced to make on air apology over Kieran Foran comments

SHE’S never shied away from controversial remarks, but radio host Jackie O regrets what she said about Kieran Foran.

SHE’S never been one to shy away from controversial comments, but popular radio host Jackie O is regretting remarks about Kieran Foran last week.

The radio host was forced to make an on-air apology over defamatory comments about the Paramatta Eels skipper after he launched legal action against the star.

The popular half has found himself in the spotlight recently after suffering a personal breakdown following a hard-taken split with former partner Rebecca Pope, mother to the pair’s children Emerson, 2, and newborn Jordan.

Splashed on the front of newspapers and leading bulletins, Foran was also a major topic of discussion on KIIS 1065’s flagship program, the Kyle and Jackie O Show.

On the program, co-host Jackie Henderson, known as Jackie O, questioned whether Foran’s newborn son was actually his.

Lawyers representing the league star alleged the comments were defamatory, and last night launched legal action against the radio star and network.

A legal letter sent to the Australian Radio Network (ARN) said suggestions Foran’s child was not his “gave imputation the former partner of (Foran) committed adultery during their relationship”, according to Nine News.

“That imputation is defamatory, completely false, untrue, and lacking any merit,” the letter continued.

“We are instructed to request that you submit a clear apology and retraction to Mr Kieran Foran and Ms Rebecca Pope.”

Troubled Eels captain Kieran Foran took offence to the radio show voicing the rumours. Picture: Michael Chambers

Opening the program this morning, which Jackie O hosts alongside veteran host Kyle Sandilands, the co-host said she wanted to address the comments which were “really stupid”.

“I gave voice to a really ugly rumour, and I just wanted to apologise because it was stupid to say what I said and it was really insensitive,” she said.

“I don’t want to repeat this ugly rumour because that’s what it is, but I just want to take this time to personally apologise to Rebecca and Kieran for what I said. I can imagine how hurtful that would’ve been and I feel really terrible, I really do, and I’m truly sorry.”

In a statement sent to news.com.au last night, a spokeswoman for ARN denied the station had received a legal letter from the network as of 9pm Thursday, but was apologetic.

“Jackie and the KIIS team are mortified that anything said has caused hurt to Kieran Foran and his family at such a difficult time,” she said.

“We apologise unreservedly for this and wish them all the best.”

Kyle managed to stay out of trouble this time, saying he had ‘no idea’ what the grovelling apology was all about.

Speaking on air Friday morning, Jackie O appeared to be in damage control, saying making hurtful comments was “not what I’m about”.

“Despite what some people might think it’s not what I’m about on radio,” she said.

“I have tried very hard in my career not to be hurtful, and that’s why I’m very sorry for any harm that I’ve caused.”

The radio host said she hoped Foran and Ms Pope would accept her apology, and indicated it would be replayed later in the program to a larger audience.

Co-host Kyle Sandilands claimed he had “no idea” what the apologetic speech was all about.

“But it sounds quite legally involved,” he added.

“It looks like you’re in the s***, and better you than me.”