Jackie ‘O’ Henderson has snubbed Meghan Markle’s upcoming Sydney retreat as the fallout over her shock KIIS FM exit continues.
The radio queen’s bestie and manager Gemma O’Neill revealed this week that the Duchess of Sussex will be the headline guest at the inaugural Her Best Life Retreat, a three-day event organised by the events company Besties, founded by O’Neill and Henderson.
However, Henderson has chosen to snub the event, to keep the spotlight firmly on O’Neill.
Speaking about the upcoming retreat in the latest episode of the Her Best Life, O’Neill said that she almost said ‘no’ to the opportunity to host the Duchess until confiding her apprehension to Henderson.
‘I feel really excited because I did go through a period, I will admit, that I actually almost said no, and I actually spoke to Jackie about it,’ she said.
Gemma added that she begged the broadcaster to helm the event, but to no avail.
Jackie ‘O’ Henderson has snubbed Meghan Markle’s upcoming Sydney retreat as the fallout over her shock KIIS FM exit continues
‘I tried to beg her to come and do it, or I tried to beg her to come and, like, take over the event,’ she continued.
‘She was adamant, and she said: ‘No, Gemma. You need to do this for yourself. This is meant to be for you.’
O’Neill said that Henderson’s reason for eschewing the event was to give O’Neill a chance to break out of her ‘private’ shell.
‘She said: “I know you don’t want to do it, and I know you’re nervous because you’re very private and you hate doing things,’ O’Neill explained.
‘You like having career things happening behind the scenes, but you hate being front and centre”, which I think you guys know.
‘So, you know, I’m going from trying to be private to now it could not be any more front and centre.’
Despite the snub, Henderson did find the time to wish O’Neill all the best with the ambitious endeavour.
Commenting on O’Neill’s announcement post on Instagram, Henderson wrote: ‘Incredible Gem… definitely living your best life,’ augmenting the sentiment with clapping hands and love heart emojis.
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The radio queen’s bestie and manager Gemma O’Neill revealed this week that the Duchess of Sussex (pictured) will be the headline guest at the inaugural Her Best Life Retreat, a three-day event organised by the events company Besties, founded by O’Neill and Henderson
Speaking about the upcoming retreat in the latest episode of the Her Best Life, O’Neill said that she almost said ‘no’ to the opportunity to host the Duchess until confiding her apprehension to Henderson
‘I have admired this woman and what she has endured, how she’s risen above it, and how she has demonstrated that a woman can be pushed down and she can still rise,’ O’Neill said as she announced the event this week.
‘I know what you’re all thinking because I’m thinking the same thing. How has this incredible woman gone from Oprah to talking on stage with little old me?’
The retreat will be held at the InterContinental Hotel at Coogee Beach in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and will bring together around 300 women for a weekend focused on connection, wellbeing and personal development.
The April 17–19 event is anticipated to bring in nearly $1million in ticket revenue.
Those who purchase VIP tickets for $3,199 will be privy to a ‘group table photo’ with the Duchess and seats in the front two rows for the ‘gala dinner’.
VIPs will also enjoy an exclusive goodie bag and a premium ocean-view hotel room.
Guests will also attend a session with psychologist Dr Justine Corry, a meditation and manifestation workshop with O’Neill, yoga, sound healing, time by the pool overlooking Coogee Beach and a dinner-and-disco celebration.
‘Join us for an intimate luxury weekend by the ocean designed to bring women together for powerful conversations, relaxation, laughter and unforgettable experiences,’ the event website states.
‘I tried to beg her to come and do it, or I tried to beg her to come and, like, take over the event,’ she continued. ‘She was adamant, and she said: ‘No, Gemma. You need to do this for yourself. This is meant to be for you’
The retreat will be held at the InterContinental Hotel at Coogee Beach in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and will bring together around 300 women for a weekend focused on connection, wellbeing and personal development
‘The highlight of the weekend will be an in-person conversation and gala dinner with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. An intimate gala like no other.
‘This is your chance to step away from everyday life and spend a weekend focusing on connection, growth, joy and celebration.
‘Come by yourself, come with your best friend, or bring a whole group of your favourite women.’
It comes after it was announced this week that Meghan would split from Netflix and take complete control of her As Ever jam brand.
The abrupt split comes just two months after the streaming giant axed With Love, Meghan, which ran for only two seasons.
