It’s the gig of a lifetime, with Karl Stefanovic revealing he’s “beyond grateful” for the opportunity to commentate at the Paris 2024 Olympics. But the larrikin TV star is reportedly also trying to shake off a string of negative press, after some fans were quick to criticise his efforts, calling them “beyond cringe”.
“The Channel 9 commentary is so bad, I wonder (if) it’s been beset by technical difficulties beyond Karl Stefanovic’s personality?” asked another.
Indeed, some viewers were calling for Karl to be bumped from the commentary box all together!
“Todd Woodbridge by himself would have been perfect,” wrote one, referring to the 53-year-old tennis great who co-hosted the opening ceremony alongside Karl and fellow Nine star Ally Langdon.
But these harsh and seemingly uncalled for opinions are not shared by all viewers. One fan applauded him, “I loved your commentary of the Opening Ceremony.”
While others celebrated his moving moment with boxer Harry Garside after he lost his first round fight, “It’s so bloody good to see men hugging on TV.”
LUXE VS LESS
The 49-year-old and his wife Jasmine, 40, were also blasted by fans for failing to “read the room” after bragging on social media about the family’s free luxury accommodation courtesy of Airbnb during their stay in the French capital.
“A beautiful welcome to Paris by @airbnb thank you for hosting us during the Olympics. We’ve made such amazing family memories already,” the mother-of-one wrote on Instagram alongside snaps of the pricey apartment.
Nine were quick to refute claims that Karl was staying there. But according to reports, network staff are fuming that they’ve been forced to stay in a budget hotel – the Appart’City Paris Grande Bibliotheque – while Karl, Nine CEO Mike Sneesby and the leadership team have been put up in the luxury five-star Le Pavilion de la Reine hotel and spa.
Another post from Jasmine thanking Nine for the “beautiful dinner” at top restaurant Girafe drew even more criticism.
“I’m sure all the people who have just been sacked from Channel 9 will be happy to see you eating at the most expensive restaurant in Paris paid for by Channel 9!” wrote one commenter.
