Award-winning Australian children's music sensation The Wiggles face a lawsuit from their former CEO. Photo / Getty Images
Award-winning Australian children's music sensation The Wiggles face a lawsuit from their former CEO. Photo / Getty Images
The former chief executive of The Wiggles – who left after just over a year into his role – has lodged proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against the popular children’s entertainment group.
Luke O’Neill was named the music sensation’s first CEO last year, according to aNb Media, withhis role focusing on “expanding The Wiggles’ digital footprint, developing new products and expanding the commercial operations of the business”.
O’Neill had worked as a consultant with The Wiggles since mid-2023 before stepping into the new role.
His LinkedIn profile states he finished the role in August 2024.
In a Federal Court application filed this week, O’Neil has lodged proceedings under the Fair Work Act against The Wiggles, the group’s leader, Anthony Field, and its general counsel, Matthew Salgo.
The application has been made under the act alleging “dismissal in contravention of a general protection”.
The Fair Work Commission’s website outlines that general protection laws prevent employers from dismissing employees for specific reasons – such as taking long periods of sick leave or if they are fired for making a complaint under workplace rights.
Details of O’Neill’s application and complaint against The Wiggles and the other respondents are not known.
O’Neill’s legal team, Wotton Kearney, declined to comment when contacted by NewsWire.
A hearing date has not been set and the respondents have not filed defences.
Luke O’Neill has lodged Federal Court proceedings against The Wiggles, Anthony Field, and Matthew Salgo, claiming his dismissal contravened the Fair Work Act's general protection provisions.
In a statement, a Wiggles spokeswoman said: “This relates to a current legal proceeding and as such we will not be commenting on it.”
O’Neill’s role as chief executive involved “ensuring that The Wiggles can continue to self-fund innovative, educational and entertaining content and extend distribution to reach larger audiences than ever before”, aNb Media stated when he took on the role.
“The Wiggles have always been pioneers in delivering high-quality, educational, and entertaining content for children,” O’Neill told the outlet in 2023.
“I am thrilled to lead the team as we explore new opportunities in the digital and commercial spaces and expand our global presence. Together, we will continue to create memorable experiences for children and families around the world.”
Kate Chiodo, who has worked in various roles with The Wiggles, was appointed the new chief executive in May.
