Warning: This article discusses suicide, which some readers may find distressing.
The Australian radio presenter involved in the notorious prank call to Kate Middleton’s hospital in 2012 has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, more than a decade after the incident led to a tragic outcome.
Michael Christian, alongside his co-host Mel Greig, was working at Sydney’s 2Day FM when they impersonated Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles to obtain private information about the Princess of Wales, who was being treated for severe morning sickness during her first pregnancy with Prince George.
During the call, nurse Jacintha Saldanha believed she was speaking to members of the Royal Family and passed on details about the Duchess’s condition before transferring the call. Days later, the 46-year-old mother of two took her own life. In notes left behind, she reportedly expressed anger towards the radio presenters and blamed them for what had happened.
Christian now claims he was directed by producers to make the call, despite being only days into his new on-air role. According to his lawsuit against Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), the broadcaster breached industry codes and failed to take responsibility, instead allowing him and Greig to become “scapegoats” for management’s decisions.
The former host says SCA promised to support and rebuild his career after the scandal but failed to follow through. He alleges that the company slowly sidelined him and ultimately made him redundant earlier this year. His legal team argues the redundancy was not genuine, as his role continues to exist.
Both Christian and Greig received death threats following the global outrage, and the pair have spoken openly about the severe mental health struggles they endured in the aftermath. Greig later revealed she battled depression and expressed deep regret that the prank call was ever broadcast.
SCA’s leadership at the time acknowledged the devastating consequences, with former chief executive Rhys Holleran admitting years later that he still felt “completely responsible” for what happened.
As for Greig, she has publicly expressed understanding of her former colleague’s decision to sue, writing on Instagram that she hopes the case will drive meaningful reforms in how the media operates and how staff are supported during controversies.
Christian is now seeking damages, lost earnings, and penalties from his former employer.
If you have been affected by issues raised in this article and need someone to talk to, you can contact Samaritans on 116 123. The helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7.