A Nine Network reporter has found himself in hot water after allegedly accepting $50,000 from a billionaire with a penchant for publicity stunts.
Nine reporter Alex Cullen was taken off the air while his Adrian Portelli controversy is being investigated. This came after the wealthy tycoon reportedly posted a screenshot of a $50,000 bank transfer to Cullen.
‘Nine is taking this matter extremely seriously. Appropriate action has been promptly taken, including arranging for the funds to be returned,’ said a spokesperson of the network.
‘While we review the circumstances in which this occurred, Alex has agreed to stand down.’
Adrian Portelli, a name that has become synonymous with high-stakes property deals and flashy giveaways, earned the nickname ‘Lambo guy’ after he arrived in a yellow Lamborghini at a house auction for the reality TV show The Block.
His penchant for luxury vehicles and grand gestures did not stop there. He also went on to purchase houses from the show in consecutive years, culminating in a staggering $15 million spent in 2024 for all five properties featured that season.
However, it seemed that Portelli grew tired of his ‘Lambo guy’ nickname and, in a bid to rebrand himself, offered a $50,000 reward to the first television presenter who would refer to him as the ‘McLaren guy’ on air.
Cullen appeared to have taken up the challenge during a live cross from the Australian Open. He and host Karl Stefanovic used the new nickname in their exchange, with Stefanovic even suggesting they split Portelli’s offer.
Meanwhile, fans headed to Cullen’s most recent social media post to show their support.
‘I feel so sorry for you! Just for [the record], I would not be watching Channel 9 anymore. I hope something better comes of this for you…’ wrote one commenter.
‘You [are] the best presenter and that show will be nothing without you. [You are] such a humble personality for morning TV. [I am] so sorry, mate. [I] hope you are okay,’ commented another.
‘You have many supporters. Channel 9 [needs] to get a grip. Hopefully, it will blow over soon,’ said a third fan.
‘I thought it seemed like more of a joke as Karl mentioned it as well. I [am] so sorry to see you go, Alex. I think this is very unfair,’ opined a fourth one.
As our readership, who have seen many changes in the media landscape over the years, reflects on this incident, we invite you to share your thoughts on this matter in the comments section.
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