By SAVANNA YOUNG, DEPUTY SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR, AUSTRALIA and CHARLOTTE KARP, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER
Published: 22:17 BST, 13 August 2026 | Updated: 22:55 BST, 13 August 2026
Kyle Sandilands was shocked after discovering a high-flying Sydney banker who has been accused of trying to kill his boyfriend with a hot saucepan in a luxury French hotel was once romantically involved with former Kyle & Jackie O personality Intern Pete.
The radio king, 55, made the astonishing connection live on air after newsreader Brooklyn Ross detailed allegations against high-flying finance executive David Cao, 37.
'My God, that's Intern Pete's Asian banker boyfriend!' a stunned Sandilands exclaimed.
'Been in my house, that bloke! That's why I recognise him. He's been in my home.'
French authorities allege Cao struck Mr Forbes on the head with a saucepan and poured boiling water over him during the incident.
The couple had reportedly checked into the hotel's famed 'caves room', paying about $500 for the night, and planned to travel to Amsterdam the following day for the World Gay Pride festival.
Kyle Sandilands was shocked after discovering a high-flying Sydney banker has been accused of trying to kill his boyfriend with a hot saucepan in a luxury French hotel was once romantically involved with former Kyle & Jackie O personality Intern Pete
Guests and staff allegedly heard screams coming from the room before hotel workers discovered Mr Forbes seriously injured and alone.
Cao allegedly fled the hotel in a rental car and was arrested about 36 hours later in Lille, almost 500km north of the hotel.
He was detained near the Belgian border and has been charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, theft, torture and acts of barbarity.
Sandilands admitted he was shocked by the allegations, describing Cao as a 'sweetheart' during the time he knew him.
The Daily Mail exclusively revealed Cao previously dated high-profile radio personality and producer 'Intern' Pete Deppeler in 2020.
The Mail understands the relationship lasted only a few months and did not end on good terms.
