Australian radio host Michael Christian sues radio network over 2012 royal prank call that ended in tragedy

An Australian radio host at the centre of a tragic prank call is suing Southern Cross Austereo over his treatment in the aftermath of the incident.

Michael Christian was presenting radio show 2Day FM with Mel Greig in December 2012 when they made an on-air phone call to King Edward VII Hospital in London.

At the time of the call, the then-Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton was in hospital being treated for hyperemesis gravidarum —severe morning sickness.

Christian, who had only worked at 2Day FM for two days, alleges the radio show’s production team had ordered him and Greig to impersonate King Charles and Queen Elizabeth II to get information about the Duchess’ condition.

Nurse Jacintha Saldanha answered the radio’s call and, after falling for the hoax, transferred the radio hosts through to the Duchess’ nurse.

Saldanha was found dead five days later after taking her own life, leaving a note blaming the radio stunt and the hospital’s handling of the situation for her death.

Her tragic death led to widespread backlash against the radio hosts and broadcaster.

Thirteen years after the incident, Christian has filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming the broadcaster failed to provide support when the prank spiralled into a global scandal.

According to court documents, Christian had been assured that Southern Cross Austereo would “step in” if on-air content had crossed the line.

His lawyers allege the company allowed him and co-host Greig to be “left exposed to relentless public vitriol, harassment, and abuse, including death threats”.

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

Christian has also said that the prank breached the Australian Communication and Media Authority code of practice.

Court documents say the delay in legal action being pursued was due to the broadcaster promising Christian that they would restore his reputation and rebuild his career.

Christian’s lawyers state the firm failed in this promise by not providing meaningful health support, not starting a public relations campaign to rebuild his brand, and failed to offer any opportunities or pay rises to reward his loyalty to the company.

The legal action follows Christian being made redundant by SCA in February, which he alleges was not genuine as “SCA still requires (his) former role to be performed”.

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

Southern Cross Austereo has yet to respond to the lawsuit, which is awaiting a federal court date, but provided a short statement to media outlets regarding the case.

“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,” a spokesperson for SCA said.