Alex Cullen leaves Nine after $50K gift controversy
By Staff writer in Media News on Friday, 24th January 2025 at 2:33pm
Alex Cullen has left Nine following a controversy over accepting a $50,000 gift from billionaire Adrian Portelli, Mediaweek reported. The incident occurred after Cullen jokingly referred to Portelli as “McLaren Man” during a segment on Today. Portelli, who wanted to shed his “Lambo Guy” image, offered the money to the first journalist to call him that.
After the exchange, Nine took disciplinary action sidelining Cullen and requesting the money be returned. Following a review, the network confirmed Cullen's departure citing breaches of policies regarding third-party commercial arrangements. Nine also reminded its staff about these policies.
Cullen's exit marks the end of his five-year tenure with the Today Show with colleague Karl Stefanovic describing him as a "terrific ...
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