Karl Stefanovic blasts the French as ‘weirdos’ and ‘rude’ after copping criticism for living it up in Paris amid Nine layoffs and wage disputes
Karl Stefanovic called the French ‘strange and rude’ as they enjoyed the best Paris has to offer in France during coverage of the Nine Olympic Games.
The 49-year-old Today Show host made the comments during an appearance on The Kyle & Jackie O Show on Monday, while discussing his journey.
Karl, who attended some of the events at the Paris Olympics, said he enjoyed the Greco-Roman wrestling, but “not as much as the Blue Smurf at the opening ceremony.”
“The Pope wrote a letter about that,” said Kyle, 53, referring to criticism the masterpiece received for a banquet scene in which an actor playing the Greek god Dionysus took center stage at a table of transvestites.
The scene was interpreted as a resemblance to Leonardo da Vinci’s painting The Last Supper. Some religious groups condemned the ceremony, including the Catholic Church in France, saying it showed “scenes of mockery and ridicule of Christianity.”
But Karl put the controversy into perspective by making comments about the French people.
“The French are weirdos. They are complete weirdos. We all know that,” he said, before adding that “they are a kind of strange nation sexually.”
When Kyle’s co-host Jackie O Henderson, 49, asked Karl how he got on when speaking French with the locals, he said: “I don’t really like them, they’re so rude.”
Karl Stefanovic has criticised the French as ‘strange and rude’ despite being in France enjoying the best that Paris has to offer for coverage of the Nine Olympic Games. Pictured with his wife Jasmine and daughter Willow
This came after Karl was criticised for indulging in life in Paris following a series of layoffs at the Nine network.
Karl and his wife Jasmine recently visited the exclusive Girafe Restaurant. A Game Pass is required for entry.
Jasmine shared photos of the extravagant event on Instagram and revealed that Channel Nine had footed the bill at the posh restaurant.
“The French are weirdos. They’re complete weirdos. We all know that,” he said in an interview on The Kyle & Jackie O Show on Monday
“La Girafe with you. Thank you @channel9 for a lovely dinner,” she wrote in the caption, indicating that the pair had dined out at the network’s expense.
At this expensive eatery, you can get caviar for as much as €650 (AUD$1,075), while main courses cost between $60 and $70.
But not everyone was happy with the news. Many fans felt it was ill-timed, given the recent news of layoffs at Nine Entertainment.
In addition to reporting live from the Olympic action with co-host Sarah Abo, Karl also made the most of the sights of Paris and enjoyed a number of luxurious excursions around the city.
There was an angry reaction on Instagram: ‘I’m sure all the people who just got fired from Channel Nine will be happy to see you eating at the most expensive restaurant in Paris, paid for by Channel Nine!’
Another said: ‘100%. Read the room. Go eat and enjoy. But at least have enough compassion not to post about it.’
According to women’s DayThere are also reports that Nine Network staff are furious that they have to stay in cheap accommodation while Karl, Nine CEO Mike Sneesby and the leadership team are staying at the five-star hotel and spa Le Pavilion de la Reine.
Nine Entertainment is cutting hundreds of jobs, including positions at its well-known TV news division, prompting a staff strike.
In June, Nine Entertainment CEO Mike Sneesby announced job cuts as part of a $30 million cost-saving plan for the company.
“Of our national team of nearly 5,000 people, approximately 200 jobs in Nine are expected to be affected, including a number of vacant and temporary positions that will not be filled,” he confirmed.
Many fans have argued that Karl’s holiday snaps come at a bad time, given the recent news of layoffs at Nine Entertainment.