Jackie ‘O’ Henderson’s manager and close confidant, Gemma O’Neill, has seen her talent agency face financial turmoil, resulting in a collapse with debts exceeding $500,000.
Gemmie Agency, run by O’Neill, has entered voluntary liquidation as of November, with administrators stepping in to manage the situation.
The agency reportedly owes $543,548 to the Australian Taxation Office, along with an additional $3,300 to a small enterprise, Jack Lawrence Accountants and Advisors, according to news.com.au.
A creditors’ statement from Grant Thornton Australia highlighted a striking contrast between these debts and a substantial seven-figure commission received from an undisclosed ‘key client’ during the period from October 2023 to March 2024, as reported by the publication.
On February 20, O’Neill apparently conveyed to the administrators her inability to make repayment efforts, citing a lack of personal savings, minimal income, and unsuccessful attempts to refinance her Sydney beachfront property.
This coincided with a tumultuous day for O’Neill’s prominent client, Jackie O, who had a heated on-air dispute with her KIIS FM co-host, Kyle Sandilands. The argument, centered around accusations of being ‘away with the fairies’, led to their abrupt removal from the airwaves and the termination of their $100 million contracts.
The Kyle and Jackie O Show was officially axed 11 days later in a dramatic announcement by the radio station’s owner, ARN Media.
The troubles for O’Neill’s firm come as Jackie O fights a wrongful termination suit against ARN, after she told executives she couldn’t ‘continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands’ following his harsh on‑air comments.
Jackie O’s manager and best friend, Gemma O’Neill (left) owes the taxpayer over $543,000
O’Neill (pictured hosting an episode of the Her Best Life podcast) has informed administrators she cannot make any repayment contributions
The duo’s joint venture, Besties Australia Pty Ltd, is also mentioned in the creditor’s report after it was revealed that a loan of $18,143 was made to the event business.
The troubles for O’Neill come as Jackie O fights a wrongful termination suit against ARN, after she told executives she couldn’t ‘continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands’ following his harsh on–air comments.
Besties Australia was registered by O’Neill in October 2022 in her role as director/secretary.
However, the report states O’Neill did not disclose any loans to related parties to GTA’s administrators.
‘The director (O’Neill) advised that this balance was incorrectly recorded by the Company’s former accountant and the transactions in the loan account were in respect of costs incurred by the Company, and not by Besties Australia,’ the report states.
It comes just days after Besties Australia announced it will host Meghan Markle at an exclusive three-day retreat in Sydney’s eastern suburbs next month.
Tickets to the retreat, which takes place from April 17 to 19 to coincide with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s trip Down Under, retail for around $3,000 for one person.
The duo launched their business, Besties Australia Pty Ltd, in October 2022, later hosting Gwyneth Paltrow at a ‘Besties’ event that drew a smaller-than-expected crowd.
The duo launched their business, Besties Australia Pty Ltd in October 2022, later hosting Gwyneth Paltrow at a ‘Besties’ event that drew a smaller than expected crowd
The Daily Mail has contacted GTA’s appointed liquidator John McInerney for comment.
More to come.
