Nine Lawyers Up Over New Idea’s “Reckless” Karl Stefanovic Lies
Karl Stefanovic was been the subject of many a rumour since his 21-year marriage with Cassandra Thorburn ended in September, and now his boss is threatening to sue those operating the rumour mill.
Despite a number of weekly celeb mags covering the split, Nine has now confirmed it’s going after New Idea following reports that suggested Stefanovic was leaving the breakfast TODAY show to do some “soul-searching”.
New Idea is published by Pacific Magazines, which is part of Seven West Media, with the drama following another recent run-in with legal issues, after Seven attempted to sue Nine over the contentious question of who won the 2016 breakfast TV war.
In a statement to Nine’s digital lifestyle brand, 9Honey, network director of news and current affairs Darren Wick called the tabloid rumours “lazy” and “reckless”, adding the network had hired top defamation lawyer Mark O’Brien.
“This very personal campaign is being prosecuted by weekly women’s magazines running fictitious and damaging articles about Karl Stefanovic that are without any foundation of fact,” Wick said.
“At best, this is lazy and reckless reporting. At worst, there is a case that this campaign is designed to damage not only his reputation but our business as well and we no longer intend to tolerate these lies.
“Nine has instructed Mark O’Brien, one of Australia’s most experienced media and defamation lawyers, to act on Karl and Nine’s behalf in this matter and take the necessary steps to defend his reputation against the endless fabrications.”
Pacific Magazines declined to comment.
The articles alleged Stefanovic was “questioning some of his past behaviour, and knows he needs to change his ways” and taking some “time off and do some soul-searching.”
However, a Nine spokesman told news.com.au: “Karl is definitely on Today in 2017, alongside the team who have had such a successful year in 2016.”
On Monday, another story published by New Idea claimed Stefanovic had quit his job and would be moving to the United States, while previous stories suggested he’d “fallen for” a close friend. The latest story said Stefanovic has “turn[ed] his back on Today“, while a quote from a friend added, “Karl has partied hard for years and no-one really took notice”.
In a recent interview with Mamamia’s Mia Freedman, Stefanovic’s brekky co-host Lisa Wilkinson slammed the rumours and urged tabloids to leave the family to their privacy.
“There’s human beings involved here,” she stressed, adding that “a lot of lies” were being circulated.
Stefanovic was absent from the TODAY show yesterday, fuelling the “fictitious” New Idea rumours, with previous statements admitting Stefanovic would be taking time off over the summer to work through his family situation.
“Previously what we’ve done with Karl is that he has often shot 60 Minutes stories over the summer,” Wick said.
“We don’t want him doing that this year — just have a break. Obviously what he’s working through with his family situation … he needs to have a break and just rest and spend time with his family. He’s going to do that and come back fresh next year.”
Other rumours from Woman’s Day had suggested Stefanovic’s ex Thorburn was taking up a position at rival show Sunrise on Channel Seven. Meanwhile, Stefanovic is also slated to host Nine’s new program This Time Next Year alongside his breakfast hosting duties in 2017.
Please login with linkedin to comment
Advertising Standards Bureau brand expression Convenience Advertising Ross Raeburn works on paperLatest News
Study: 80% Of Aussies Don’t Feel In Control Of Their Data
New research released today shows almost eight out of 10 (79 per cent) Australians don’t feel like they have enough control over how their online data is used, also citing concerns over how it’s being collected. The research conducted by advertising technology company The Trade Desk and YouGov found that 81 per cent of Australians […]
Activist Grace Tame Becomes First Non-Celebrity To Feature On marie claire Cover
For the first time in its 25-year history, marie claire has put a non-celebrity on its cover with child sexual abuse survivor and activist Grace Tame helming the magazine’s May issue. Named 2021 Australian of the Year in January, Tame’s impassioned message and advocacy for the eradication of child sex abuse and national reform around consent […]
Thinkerbell & Our Watch Asks Men To Reconsider Their Actions When They See Disrespect Towards Women
After women all over the country took to the streets last month to march for justice and to end violence against women, the need for men to play a more significant role in challenging disrespect towards women is greater than ever. Research from leading domestic violence group Our Watch found that 75 per cent of […]
Back To The Future: Why Contextual Advertising Is Back In Vogue
The advertising industry is busily preparing for a (not-so-distant) privacy-led future. Google’s decision to deprecate third-party cookies coupled with Apple’s move away from the IDFA means that the idea of ‘tracking’ a user as they navigate the web will no longer work as the market exists today. These changes aim to promote privacy online and […]
Steve Jackson And Andy DiLallo’s New Start-Up Milk & Honey United Snares James Squire As Inaugural Client
New independent agency Milk & Honey United has snared James Squire Beer as its inaugural client. After a competitive pitch process new independent agency Milk & Honey United led by Steve Jackson (left in photo) and Andy DiLallo (right) have made a fast start being appointed to the Lion Nathan roster to lead the James […]
Nick Durrant Appointed MD Of Mediabrands’ MAGNA
IPG Mediabrands Australia CEO Mark Coad has announced the appointment of Nick Durrant as managing director of MAGNA, the group’s media intelligence and investment division. Durrant has been general manager of investment at MAGNA since February last year and takes the managing director role after leading many primary decisions in clients’ media investments in a […]
Former oOH! Supremo Brendon Cook Joins Influencer Marketing Platform Vamp
The oOh! Media Founder and former CEO joins as independent board member
Should We End The Quest To Replace The Cookie?
Looking at the latest identity solutions being explored by the digital advertising industry, and whether seeking a single alternative to third-party cookies is actually a lost cause.
Asia MarTech Society Appoints Ken Ip As Chairman
The Asia MarTech Society (AMS) has appointed Ken Ip as chairman of its 2021–22 board of directors for a two year term. An award-winning marketing and brand communications strategist, Ip has previously held several senior roles, from corporate consulting to public affairs advisory, for leading multinationals and conglomerates. He is currently the group head of […]
Have You Submitted Your Nominations For B&T’s CMO Power List?
Does your CMO wear a power suit, possess impeccable hair & have an addiction to teeth whitening? Enter them here & now!
Australian Consumer Sentiment At 11-Year High
Apparently you haven't had things so good since 2010! Unless you're on the dole or work in the travel industry, that is.
Initiative Studio Launches ‘Taste Life On The Flip Side’ For Pernod Ricard Winemakers’ Brancott Estate
Pernod Ricard and Initiative Studio have launched “Taste Life on the Flipside” for Brancott Estate’s Winemakers’ newest wine varieties. The campaign idea had its genesis in 1975 when Brancott Estate planted the first sauvignon blanc vines in Marlborough, New Zealand. This was an iconic moment as it flipped a convention that said Marlborough was only […]
Mardi Gras Partnerships Have Raised Nearly $250,000 For The LGBTQI+ Community In 2021
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has continued its programme of community grants and support funded by valued partnerships with ANZ, Google and Facebook Australia, and from the organisations own surplus, delivering a total of $248,000 to LGBTQI+ community groups for this year’s festival season. Three grants funds, the ANZ Community Grants, Google Parade Grants […]
Bundaberg Rum Brings The Pub Choir Back To Queensland Pubs
Who hasn't drunk half a bottle of Bundy in the blazing heat & not wanted to recite some Edgar Allan Poe or Lord Byron.
Selena Gomez Will Host Global Citizen’s ‘Vax Live: The Concert To Reunite The World’
International advocacy organisation Global Citizen will host VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World, a global special that aims to inspire vaccine confidence worldwide and help get the COVID-19 vaccines to everyone, everywhere. During the special, Global Citizen, will call on philanthropists and corporations to donate enough “dollars-for-doses” to vaccinate more than 27 million […]
Respect Victoria Launches New Campaign, ‘Pride, Respect, Equality’ Asking People To Respect LGBTIQ+ Family Members
Unsurprisingly, Israel Folau isn't the face of a new campaign calling for respect of LGBTIQ+ family members.
Uncle Tobys Initiates Brand Relaunch With ‘Oatervention’ Campaign Via Ogilvy
Is there nothing more warming for breakfast than a bowl of oats. Well, apart from a bacon sandwich and a whisky shot.
R/GA Study Reveals Brand Loyalty Crisis As 60% Of Aussie Customers Unlikely To Return For Repeat Purchases
Study finds "brand loyalty crisis" among consumers. Presumably not the addictive ones like booze, fags & greasy food.
Heineken Welcomes Reopening Of UK Pubs + Barbers With ‘Shear Genius!’ Activation, Via Coolr
Heineken unveils 'buy a pint, get a haircut' promo. Apparently, there's no 'mower 'round the pole' after the sixth one.
Completely Bonkers But Brilliant Bakery Ad Sees Sexist Gym Rat Turned Into Delicious Dough
This latest ad out of the Philippines proves that the madness is not exclusive to President Rodrigo Duterte.
Fremantle Media Launches Investigation Into Neighbours Set After Allegations Of Racism
Surely if Neighbours is truly a unique peek into Australian suburban life you'd have to expect a bit of racism?
Destination NSW Appoints Kathryn Illy As GM Of Consumer Marketing
Destination NSW has a new GM of consumer marketing who says Wilcannia & Taree may have to go into the "too hard basket".
JCDecaux Promotes Oliver Newton To Chief Sales Officer
JCDecaux promotes Oliver Newton to chief sales officer. Or, as the French would say, "directeur des ventes".
Tuesday TV Wrap: ABC’s Prince Philip Coverage Pulls Just Over 300,000 Viewers
The ABC's Prince Philip tribute confirms Australians would far prefer to watch lascivious dim bogans on Channel Nine.
A Cookin’ Colonel Becomes Instantly Cool In This Rappin’ Spot For KFC
Colonel Sanders proves there's still a place for Boomers in ads. Less so for poor old Mayor McCheese & the Hamburgler.
You Can Still Register For The 30 Under 30 Awards Live Stream!
You can now livestream 30 Under 30 & watch it in your jim-jams. Or, buy a ticket & watch it in person in your jim-jams.
Clemenger’s Activation Agency Traffik Rebrands, Expands Service Offering
Traffik rebrands and expands service offering. Although B&T understands that doesn't include crystal healings or Reiki.
Papaya Secures Two New National Accounts
Fortunately for you, B&T's hasn't squeezed the insidious business buzzword "low hanging fruit" into this Papaya piece.
Jonny Cordony Promoted To Zenith’s Sydney MD
Jonny Cordony promoted to Zenith’s Sydney MD. Assumes Russell Crowe's Maximus Decimus Meridius pose for press photo.
30 Under 30: Channel Seven’s Ben Stavert On Social Media’s ‘Big Bang’
We're talking social media’s ‘big bang’. But not the prevailing cosmological model of the observable universe.
