Karl Stefanovic defends Elle Macpherson’s controversial decision to refuse chemotherapy amid cancer battle: ‘Good on her’

Today’s presenter Karl Stefanovic defended Elle Macpherson’s decision to refuse chemotherapy for cancer.

The 60-year-old supermodel was diagnosed with HER2-positive estrogen-receptive intraductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer, after undergoing breast-conserving surgery seven years ago.

Rather than seeking traditional medical treatment, the Australian model took a ‘holistic’ approach and the disease is now in remission.

Karl, 50, interviewed medical expert Dr. Michael Bonning on Wednesday’s Today show about Elle’s recovery.

Bonning said the supermodel’s approach is unusual and that there are chemotherapy treatments that are not as invasive on the body as they once were.

The doctor then suggested that conventional medicine was the best solution and said, “You need to discuss this with your doctor.”

However, towards the end of the segment, Karl had some words of encouragement for Elle for sticking to her guns.

“I don’t know if there’s a right or wrong answer, and that’s up to you. You choose your own path. And well done,” the Today host said.

It comes as Elle has been called ‘shockingly irresponsible’ for the treatment of her condition with a ‘heart-guided holistic approach’, ignoring the advice of 32 doctors.

Doctors suggested a mastectomy in combination with radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and reconstruction of her breast.

But Elle decided to undergo an unconventional treatment, enlisting a group of specialists to create a plan that addressed “both the emotional and physical factors associated with breast cancer.”

The supermodel (pictured in February), 60, was diagnosed with HER2-positive estrogen-receptive intraductal carcinoma — a type of breast cancer — after undergoing breast-conserving surgery seven years ago

The model rented a house in Phoenix, Arizona and spent eight months there, regularly seeing two therapists: a chiropractor, a holistic dentist and a doctor who claims to have cured her own cervical cancer using juice cleanses and a “detox.”

She is now in clinical remission, meaning she no longer has any signs or symptoms of the disease.

The mother of two admitted that her eldest son Flynn, 26, who was 19 when he was diagnosed, was “not happy with my choice at all.”

She has been called ‘shockingly irresponsible’ for treating her condition with a ‘heart-led holistic approach’, ignoring the advice of 32 doctors. Pictured this year

After her interview with Women’s weekly magazineFans agreed with Flynn, criticizing the supermodel for “reckless” behavior, while cancer doctors said she promoted “dangerous” therapies that “could cost women their lives.”

Fans wrote about X: ‘This is shockingly irresponsible of Elle Macpherson. She was lucky that the lumpectomy clearly removed all the cancer cells and that it didn’t spread, but to imply that she “cured” cancer holistically is reckless.

“I totally agree with you. I’m currently being treated for breast cancer and I see people in oncology fighting to stay alive. I think Elle needs to be more aware.”

‘This is a disturbing message, I am not against holistic therapy and whatever gives you the best rest, but if they had not removed all the cancer, I am not so sure about remission. Cancer is unfortunately unique to each individual.’

Another defended Elle, saying: ‘Everyone has the choice to do what’s right for them. She’s not advising people to follow her approach. As someone who has chosen the conventional route for breast cancer, I would never criticise what someone else decides. Research, research, research… and then free will.’