Karl Stefanovic has found support among the world’s elites.
Both Elon Musk and James Packer have weighed in on his exit from Channel Nine, following backlash over an interview with right-wing activist Tommy Robinson.
The billionaires each made comments on the controversy on Thursday, with Packer critical of the network.
‘I think it’s pretty hypocritical not to allow Karl editorial independence, especially on something I didn’t think was that bad,’ Packer told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Tech giant Musk, meanwhile, delivered a one-word reply via his X platform, in reply to a post made by commentator Steven Mark Ryan.
Ryan wrote a lengthy diatribe, which included ‘Bro took the red pill and I am here for it’ and credited Stefanovic with ‘unplugging from The Matrix during the SCAMDEMIC’.
Karl Stefanovic (pictured) has found support among the world’s elites
Both Elon Musk and James Packer (pictured) have weighed in on his exit from Channel Nine, following backlash over an interview with right-wing activist Tommy Robinson
‘Karl had a conversation on his new podcast and the mainstream media machine got its panties in SUCH A TWIST that they held a crisis meeting and rumours are now swirling that he has been fired,’ Ryan wrote.
Musk responded to the post with a comment of surprise, writing simply, ‘Wow’.
Stefanovic is understood to have been told by Nine executives that the network wanted to part ways almost six months before his contract was due to expire – after advertiser concerns.
Karl has spent more than 25 years at the network and has fronted Today for much of the past two decades, becoming one of Australia’s most recognisable media personalities.
His early exit follows intense backlash over his independently produced podcast interview with Robinson, which discussed immigration, Islam and Australian politics before being swiftly removed online.
Nine previously stressed the podcast was produced independently and was not affiliated with the network, but confirmed it was taking the controversy seriously.
It comes amid reports Stefanovic is ‘set to resign’ in the coming days.
On Wednesday evening, The Sydney Morning Herald confirmed Stefanovic’s departure from Nine, indicating the decision was made in part to ‘defuse a major advertiser boycott.’
Tech giant Musk (pictured) delivered a one-word reply via his X platform, in reply to a post made by commentator Steven Mark Ryan
Musk responded to the post with a comment of surprise, writing simply, ‘Wow’
Karl’s early exit follows intense backlash over his independently produced podcast interview with Robinson (right), which discussed immigration, Islam and Australian politics before being swiftly removed online
Stefanovic was told the network ‘wanted to part ways’. He is expected to depart immediately.
The TV star, who has been a Nine stalwart for some 25 years, has six months and over $1 million left to be paid on his 12-month contract.
According to sources, he is pushing for a full payout of the remainder of his contract – similar to the lucrative exits secured by former Nine radio heavyweights Alan Jones and Ray Hadley – despite their vastly different departure circumstances.
Sources also claim Stefanovic was seeking to be released from his contract as soon as possible to pursue other media opportunities.
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