'It's disgraceful and I won't stop calling out this behaviour': Cassandra Thorburn exposes a troll who mocked her father's death in an insensitive comment referencing Karl Stefanovic

By Kristy Johnson and Claudia Poposki For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 20:22 EDT, 18 October 2018 | Updated: 22:54 EDT, 18 October 2018

Cassandra Thorburn has exposed an Instagram troll who mocked her father's death.

On Friday, the 47-year-old shared a screenshot of an insensitive comment somebody had left about Max Thorburn's death from cancer this week. The vile post also referenced Cassandra's ex-husband Karl Stefanovic.

'It's disgraceful. I won't stop calling out this behaviour,' the former journalist told Daily Mail Australia. 

'It's disgraceful and I won't stop calling out this behaviour': Cassandra Thorburn (pictured) has exposed a troll who mocked her father's death on Instagram. Pictured on Studio 10 recently

'It's disgraceful and I won't stop calling out this behaviour': Cassandra Thorburn (pictured) has exposed a troll who mocked her father's death on Instagram. Pictured on Studio 10 recently

Shortly after Cassandra announced her father's death on Thursday with a touching photo, a troll commented: 'Looks like Karl left now Max... another one bites the dust.'

The reference to Karl 'leaving' was a cruel and unnecessary swipe at Cassandra's divorce from the Today show host after 21 years of marriage.

The children's author named and shamed the Instagram user in a separate post on Friday, telling her followers: 'This is the behaviour that needs to stop on social media. Hiding behind fake accounts to torment and cause others pain and suffering.' 

Vile: Shortly after Cassandra announced her father Max Thorburn's death on Thursday with a touching photo, a troll commented: 'Looks like Karl left now Max... another one bites the dust'

Vile: Shortly after Cassandra announced her father Max Thorburn's death on Thursday with a touching photo, a troll commented: 'Looks like Karl left now Max... another one bites the dust'

Taking a stand: The children's author named and shamed the Instagram user in a separate post (pictured) on Friday, telling her followers: 'This is the behaviour that needs to stop on social media. Hiding behind fake accounts to torment and cause others pain and suffering'

Taking a stand: The children's author named and shamed the Instagram user in a separate post (pictured) on Friday, telling her followers: 'This is the behaviour that needs to stop on social media. Hiding behind fake accounts to torment and cause others pain and suffering'

She added: 'Yes, whoever you are, it is devastating to lose my dad but I guarantee you he did not want to leave me or any of his family. Whatever sick pleasure this gives you, shame on you.'

Cassandra later told Daily Mail Australia that the trolling she received has been 'disgraceful', but she will continue to fight back.

'It's disgraceful. I won't stop calling out this behaviour. I've had enough after two years of it,' she said. 

Tragic loss: On Thursday, Cassandra took to Instagram to reveal that her father Max Thorburn - an accomplished journalist of over five decades - had died from cancer

Tragic loss: On Thursday, Cassandra took to Instagram to reveal that her father Max Thorburn - an accomplished journalist of over five decades - had died from cancer

On Thursday, Cassandra took to Instagram to reveal that her father Max Thorburn - an accomplished journalist of over five decades - had died from cancer.

She wrote a touching post dedicated to Max alongside two photos: one of her father in his youth, and another of her holding his hand more recently.

'A journalism career spanning over 50 years in TV, newspapers and radio. A role model to many and my biggest supporter. Thank you for being the beloved poppy to my children and my dad,' Cassandra wrote.

The post concluded: 'Max Thorburn 27/4/1946 - 18/10/2018.'

In addition to working as a journalist and broadcaster, Max also served for three terms as a councillor in Mildura, Victoria.

Tribute: Speaking to Daily Mail Australia about her father's death, Cassandra (pictured) said on Thursday: 'My dad's passing is a loss to so many. I was just blessed to be his daughter and my children had the most incredibly devoted poppy'

Tribute: Speaking to Daily Mail Australia about her father's death, Cassandra (pictured) said on Thursday: 'My dad's passing is a loss to so many. I was just blessed to be his daughter and my children had the most incredibly devoted poppy'

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia about her father's death, Cassandra said: 'My dad's passing is a loss to so many. I was just blessed to be his daughter and my children had the most incredibly devoted poppy.

'What more can be said? He fought hard for three years and the last six months have been excruciating. We are devastated.

'My dad taught me to accept life is full of imperfect people, including ourselves, and to approach each day as an opportunity to do better. If you hurt someone, be man enough to admit it and make amends.'

After her marriage to Karl, 44, fell apart in September 2016, Cassandra was thrust into the media spotlight and even targeted by cruel online trolls.

Three months after splitting from Cassandra, Karl struck up a relationship with Mara & Mine co-founder Jasmine Yarbrough, 34.  

Marriage breakdown: After her marriage to Karl, 44, fell apart in September 2016, Cassandra was thrust into the media spotlight and even targeted by cruel online trolls. Pictured in 2008

Marriage breakdown: After her marriage to Karl, 44, fell apart in September 2016, Cassandra was thrust into the media spotlight and even targeted by cruel online trolls. Pictured in 2008

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Cassandra Thorburn exposes troll who mocked her father's death

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