Former Wiggles CEO Sues the Children’s Entertainers

Former Wiggles CEO Luke O’Neill is suing Wiggles Holdings Pty Ltd, blue Wiggle Anthony Field and general counsel Matthew Salgo.

The issue:

• As per The Guardian, O’Neill is suing for not being paid a bonus relating to his work and for “multiple alleged breaches of the Fair Work Act.”

• While CEO, O’Neill raised concerns about internal decision making and expenditure, including the payment of bonuses, budget pressures, and hiring decisions made without his or the company’s approval.

• He alleges that in February this year Field “questioned his competence” during a staff meeting and “undermined him.”

• He claims to have been excluded from an April meeting with retailer Kmart regarding the sale of Wiggles-branded toys.

• In April he also raised concerns about his bonus, stating his eligibility had been impacted by budget overruns “mostly due to [Field’s] conduct.”

• O’Neill’s role as CEO was terminated on 28 May 2025, which he alleges was a violation of the Fair Work Act in that it had no reasonable basis.

• He claims the bonus of $86,266 he was paid around July 15 was below his legal entitlement.

The hearing:

• A first case management hearing is scheduled for 8 September, to be heard by Justice Michael Lee.

• The Wiggles, Field, and Salgo are yet to file a defence.

What they said:

• The Wiggles (in a statement): “For 35 years, The Wiggles have been dedicated to bringing joy, learning, and high-quality children’s entertainment to families around the world. Our greatest privilege has always been helping children laugh, sing, and dance, and creating happy memories for families to share. The claim made by Luke O’Neill is currently before the Court and will be defended. It is not appropriate that we make any comment until the Defence has been filed.”