Former 2Day FM host Mel Greig breaks years-long silence on royal prank as former co-host sues network
Greig and Christian were hosting the Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) breakfast program back in 2012 when a hoax call they made to a London hospital, while impersonating the then-Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth, ended in tragedy when nurse Jacintha Saldanha took her own life days later.
This week, Christian launched legal action against SCA, claiming the duo were ordered by the 2Day FM production team to make the hoax call. But when they copped widespread backlash over the prank, he claims the network let them be the 'fall guys'.
'I understand why Michael is choosing to go down this path,' Greig wrote in a statement shared on Instagram overnight.
'Whilst there are various reasons we may never be able to speak our entire truth on all that occurred, I do hope that the continued attention on this tragic incident results in substantial reforms in the way media produce content and support their staff, so that something like this never happens again.
'My thoughts and supports as always are with the Saldanha family.'
Greig also thanked her followers for showering her with love as this tragic incident returns to the spotlight.
'Thank you for the beautiful messages of support and checking in,' she wrote in a follow-up post. 'Today has absolutely knocked me around. I'll take tomorrow to focus on self care.'
'For those that think this was a two day media story. No. 12yrs later here we are.'
It was indeed 12 years ago that Greig and Christian made the phone call to King Edward VII hospital to inquire about Princess Catherine – then the Duchess of Cambridge – who had been admitted for severe morning sickness while pregnant with Prince George.
The duo were tasked with getting detailed information about the Duchess from the nurses and they were successful when their call was transferred by nurse Saldanha to the Duchess's nurse, who then shared private medical information on air.
Saldanha sadly took her life days after the prank call, and both Christian and Greig copped widespread backlash over her death.
Christian is now suing 2Day FM broadcaster SCA in the federal court, claiming the broadcaster did not 'step in' but rather let himself and Greig take the blame, which he alleges negatively impacting their careers.
'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 in the court documents.
'The radio presenters were left by SCA as the convenient fall guys and scapegoats for SCA management decisions and noncompliance.'
Christian – who was just two days into the job at the time – claimed the company had promised to provide support to the 'shock jocks' if the prank ever went too far.
He says the broadcaster told him in 2013 that they would help restore his reputation and rebuild his career, and he felt let down when SCA did not keep their word.
'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,' an SCA spokesperson told news.com.au on Tuesday when the lawsuit came to light.
In 2013, Greig filed a similar claim against SCA with Fair Work Australia, accusing them of failing to maintain a safe workplace.
The case was 'amicably resolved' and Greig later resigned from the network.
As for Christian, he stayed on with the network until he was made redundant in February this year.
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