Karl Stefanovic is reportedly in a dispute with business partner Keshnee Kemp over the shares she owns in their company 123 Podcast.
The former Today presenter, 52, and founder of August One, along with her bank manager Jason Ibrahim, both own a 45 per cent stake in the company, which is the parent company of The Karl Stefanovic Show.
According to news.com.authe TV star now regrets giving such a large chunk of sales to Kemp, who is also his wife Jasmine’s best friend, effectively bringing his podcast to a standstill while they dispute the issue.
The business partners are reportedly on the brink of a legal battle as Stefanovic tries to wrestle for majority control of the startup company.
“After all, it’s his IP and he’s starting to feel like he shouldn’t have parted with it so freely,” a source told the publication.
The insider added that Kemp offered to sell Stefanovic slices of her stake in the company, which was registered in February, just two weeks after The Karl Stefanovic Show first aired, but would have put a very high price tag on the shares.
Karl Stefanovic, 52, is reportedly in a dispute with business partner Keshnee Kemp over the shares she owns in their company 123 Podcast. Pictured (left to right): Stefanovic, Kemp’s husband Jason Ibrahim, Kemp, Stefanovic’s wife Jasmine
Stefanovic’s close friend, famed accountant Anthony Bell, holds the remaining 10 percent stake in the company.
The source claimed that Stefanovic came to regret how much of the company Kemp owns after losing his $2.8 million-a-year salary as co-host of Nine’s Today show on June 25, along with his six-figure radio gig with Eddie McGuire on ARN shortly afterwards.
As a result, The Karl Stefanovic Show has been on hiatus since August 24, with no word from Stefanovic to his fans about when the episodes will air again.
It comes just days after fans flocked to The Karl Stefanovic Show’s social media accounts asking, “Where’s Karl?” as the official Facebook page for the podcast appears to have been deactivated.
Stefanovic also appears to have disappeared, with his last video for the podcast uploaded on August 24.
‘When will your next job interview be online? I miss the podcast!’ someone asked.
Sources say the TV star regrets ceding such a large portion of the business to Kemp, effectively putting his podcast on hold while they dispute the issue
‘Where has the podcast gone?!’ added another, while a third commented: ‘Why are there no new episodes? I hope everything is okay, Karl.’
Another asked where Karl’s interview with billionaire businessman Adrian Portelli was.
‘I’m addicted to Karl’s podcast. Does anyone know what’s going on? Where is his interview with Adrian Portelli?’
Adrian shared an image with Karl in his podcast studio on July 24, previewing an episode they filmed together.
However, the podcast episode is yet to be uploaded online.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Stefanovic’s primary sponsorship deal with clothing brand Ringers Western was recently terminated as the company opted not to renew the deal.
The former Today presenter and the founder of August One, together with her bank director Jason Ibrahim, both have a 45 percent stake in the company, the parent company of The Karl Stefanovic Show. Kemp and Ibrahim pictured at Stefanovic’s wedding
The former TV star was last seen last month during his interview with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.
Stefanovic has also not shared anything on his personal social media accounts for over a week, with his last post published on August 29.
He was seen enjoying the fresh morning air at Mandolé Orchard in Griffith.
‘It’s that time of year. “Spring is vibrant, the bees are rooting, pollinating, whatever they’re doing, and I’m in Griffith this weekend for the salami festival,” he said.
‘Come and say hello, keep telling your story. God, I love going out into the country. The good, the bad, the ugly and the brilliant.’
Stefanovic ended the video by promising fans that he would “see them all soon,” but not a peep has been heard from him on his personal and business pages since.
However, he has appeared on his wife Jasmine’s account, with the couple appearing to enjoy a group outing with friends at Moraea Farm in Berry, NSW.
Jasmine, 42, shared images of the outing on Instagram last Thursday, writing: “Very happy in Berry.”
Meanwhile, Kemp has also not commented on the absence from The Karl Stefanovic Show, despite posting regularly online in recent weeks.
The Daily Mail has contacted Stefanovic and Kemp for comment.
