[Tom]

An Australian radio show has been pulled off air after a lie detector stunt saw a 14-year-old girl say she had been raped.

The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Sydney's 2Day FM was put "into recess" pending a review over the incident last week.

The move follows public outrage over the segment, which saw the girl quizzed about whether she was sexually active.

Host Kyle Sandilands has also been sacked from his role as a judge on Australian Idol over the row.

The radio show saw the girl strapped to a polygraph machine as her mother - who had volunteered to be on air - quizzed her despite apparently knowing she had been assaulted when she was 12 years old.

Sandilands was accused of further insensitivity when after the revelation he asked: "Right, and is that the only sexual experience you've had?"

Co-host Jackie O'Neil put an end to any further discussions when she realised the conversation had crossed a line.

Controversy

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd led the criticism against the radio show, saying: "This is a young girl and I am, as I think most Australians are, really distressed at the way in which the young person has been treated."

Child welfare officers and police have now been ordered to investigate the teenager's claims.

The Ten Network, which produces Australian Idol, said Sandilands had been axed as it was concerned about the conflict between his TV and radio persona.

"It has become increasingly clear that as Idol has remained a family focused show, his radio persona has taken on a more controversial position," it said in a statement.

"The recent controversy surrounding Kyle's radio programme has highlighted more than ever the conflicting attitude of the two careers."

The Kyle and Jackie O Show is the highest-rating breakfast radio programme in Sydney.

A statement from 2Day FM said Sandilands was "unable to perform his on-air duties at this time", while the station is also reviewing its audience interaction policy.

BBC News

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I don't know whats worse, the girl saying that on air, the mother for doing it or the hosts for quizzing a FOURTEEN year old whether she is sexually active or not (whether she is or not is another matter). If that wasn't on the radio it would be seen as perversion.