As the countdown to his wedding continues, Karl Stefanovic is doing everything he can to rebuild his reputation.
But it seems not everyone is happy about how the 44-year-old is going about it. Last week, Karl was seen copping a serving from his manager as the pair caught up at a Sydney restaurant.
SF Celebrity Management director Sharon Finnigan is said to have had a frank exchange with her client, who sipped wine as Sharon addressed her concerns.
“Everyone is in crisis mode and on edge when it comes to Karl,” an insider tells New Idea.
“He is the most talked about person in Australia right now and for all the wrong reasons. It’s an absolute publicity nightmare and it’s taking a toll on everyone around him.”
Karl and Sharon’s catch-up comes just days after it was revealed Karl had hired Myer branding guru Mitch Catlin to repair his public image after his split from ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn, and dwindling Today ratings.
To change the public’s perception of him, Karl was advised to show a softer side – and he didn’t waste any time. He and fiancee Jasmine Yarbrough bought a pup, and the Logie winner has already posted snaps of himself with his new furry friend.
Karl also called in celebrity transformation coach Emilie Brabon-Hames, sharing his efforts on Instagram.
“I was told a little while ago by my doctor I needed to make some changes to my physical health,” he captioned a photo of himself lifting weights last week. “It’s been tough. I was fatter than I thought.”
The insider continued, “Everything fell apart when Karl split from Cass and viewers just couldn’t look at Karl the same knowing what had happened. So once the wedding is over, the network has told Karl he needs to put all of his energy into getting viewers back on-side otherwise they will have to make some tough calls.”
For the full story see this weeks issue of New Idea, on sale now.
