Celebrity

I’ve been hacked: Karl Stefanovic breaks silence after Today controversy

Jan 07, 2019

Karl Stefanovic claims his Instagram account has been hacked. Source: Getty

Former Today host Karl Stefanovic has advised his fans that his Instagram account was hacked over the weekend.

On Sunday, media outlets reported the 44-year-old TV personality had liked several posts on the social media website that mocked the new line-up of Today. The alleged likes followed the news that Deborah Knight would be hosting the popular breakfast program alongside his former co-host Georgie Gardner.

According to the Daily Mail, one of the posts liked by Stefanovic’s account read: “Won’t be watching. Well, Miss Gardiner [sic] got her way. Pathetic, smile, agree and laugh. It’s all they do.”

Another said: “Channel [Nine], the audience want answers.”

On Sunday evening, the This Time Next Year host claimed his account had been hacked. Sharing a photograph of himself in a boat by the ocean, Stefanovic explained the situation to his fans.

“Whilst I was out fishing my Instagram account has been hacked,” he wrote. “I am investigating this with the authorities and will be back soon. Karlos.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsSdWLun96h/

Last month, Stefanovic announced he was leaving Channel 9’s Today after 14 years. The announcement came just hours after his brother Peter stepped away from the network. Eventually, Sylvia Jeffreys also announced she was leaving the show.

Describing the daily program, which he hosted with Lisa Wilkinson and Gardner, as “the best show on television”, the 44-year-old TV star admitted it had been a “tough time” but insisted he would continue working with Channel 9.

“For the last 14 years I’ve co-hosted the best show on television. I can’t thank Nine enough for the opportunity. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be good enough to host this grand show for so long,” he said in a statement. “Thanks to our viewers mostly, you are what matters most. It’s been a tough time. Thanks for hanging in there. I look forward to seeing you in another capacity at this great Network soon.”

Meanwhile, the new-look Today is set to make its debut next Monday. Along with Gardner and Knight as hosts, Tom Steinfort is joining the line-up as newsreader. Legendary Melbourne sports presenter Tony Jones, Nine Finance Editor Ross Greenwood and former ABC journalist and Triple J newsreader Brooke Boney will also be joining the crew.

Political Editor Chris Uhlmann, Richard Wilkins, Lara Vella, Christine Ahern and Jessica Milward will also be part of the team.

“Georgie Gardner, Deb Knight and Tom Steinfort will spearhead an energised and exciting Today show in 2019,” Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs Darren Wick said in a statement on Saturday. “We’ve brought together a team from within the Nine family who are already well-known, trusted and liked by Australian viewers.”