Karl Stefanovic is a hero of mine. He’s a great broadcaster - compassionate, hard hitting, and a larrikin.
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Rebel Wilson is another hero of mine. Making it big in Hollywood is a feat…you go girl.
Both Rebel and Karl have proved their heroism last week, both by defending themselves against big media publications who are inflammatory and defamatory by using tentative ‘evidence’ to sell stories.
Rebel, who herself has a law degree, is in the Melbourne Supreme Court suing Bauer Media for defamation following a series of ill-founded career-destroying articles which have lead to a scarcity of work for the star.
Last Friday, Karl Stefanovic dedicated time on the Today show to defend himself and a Today show Producer Lauren Tomasi against a Daily Mail article which insinuated the two were scandalously rooming together at a caravan park. The Daily Mail pointed out Karl’s casual attire, the one star lodgings, and the 12 pack of Bourbon premixes he was carrying – very low budget for a man whom the article claimed earns more than $3million a year.
I’m not sure what was more frowned upon - an alleged affair, or Karl’s cheapness?
These sorts of publications are absolute rubbish. One page promotes girl power, the next hones in on celebs with cellulite. A five minute entertainment read to us can actually have a really negative impact on a real person with real feelings and a real career and reputation. The publications deserve to be held accountable. A high salary does not make you public property.
Maybe we’re the problem. We’re the ones buying and reading this rubbish, aren’t we? It’s a shiny distraction from reality. It’s aspirational people and possessions. There’s definitely a place for that, but not at the cost of anyone else. I applaud Karl, and look forward to a great result for Rebel.
*Fairlie Hamilton is a presenter for i98FM and Mercury columnist.
