Court papers lodged over Karl Stefanovic podcast as episodes run dry

Former Today host Karl Stefanovic is in a legal battle with his business partner over the ownership of his new podcast venture.

Documents have been filed in the NSW Supreme Court relating to a row surrounding The Karl Stefanovic Show and the host’s interview with far-right UK provocateur Tommy Robinson.

The interview resulted in Stefanovic and Nine parting ways after more than 25 years.

Nine Entertainment is the publisher of this website.

On Monday, papers on behalf of Stefanovic’s business partner Keshnee Ibrahim were lodged in the NSW Supreme Court over 123 Podcast Pty Ltd ATF the 123 Podcast Unit Trust.

The matter is expected to be heard in court today.

Stefanovic and Ibrahim each have a 45 per cent stake in the entity, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

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Ibrahim posted on Instagram in January about making the show, saying she was “proud”.

“This partnership with Karlos started first as a conversation on holidays – with an idea that’s been in his brain for years,” she wrote.

“He absolutely loves people – talking to people and bringing out the nuances and very human experience of their stories.

“On Sundays, we’re doing something never done before – interviewing Australia’s leaders and decision influencers live across social platforms. Where the audience can ask the questions they want answers too.

“It’s never been more important. Pauline Hanson is first.”

Stefanovic’s departure from Nine came just days after he hosted controversial British far-right figure and anti-Islam agitator Tommy Robinson on his independent podcast.

The podcast was taken down after less than 12 hours online, although a promotional video for the episode, in which Stefanovic labels outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer a “wanker”, remained on Stefanovic’s personal social media accounts.

No new episodes have come out for three weeks. The show has more than 200 thousand subscribers on YouTube and has had more than two million views.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Cristopher Yaxley-Lennon, has twice been denied an Australian visa and has a number of criminal convictions, including for assault and drug possession.

He has previously been labelled a “far-right thug” by leading UK conservative figures Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage.

Meanwhile, it has emerged 2GB and 3AW owner Tapt Media offered former Stefanovic trial shifts on its Sydney station.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports he was offered the chance to host over the summer.