'I don't believe it for a second!' Karl Stefanovic is mercilessly trolled for claiming he was 'hacked' after liking Instagram comments mocking the Today show's new lineup
Karl Stefanovic claimed his Instagram was 'hacked' over the weekend - but not everybody is buying his excuse.
The 44-year-old told his followers on Sunday that his social media account had been comprised and 'authorities' were investigating, after he appeared to 'like' several comments mocking the Today show's new lineup.
But a growing number of fans are starting to question whether any 'hack' took place.
'I don't believe it for a second!' Karl Stefanovic has been mercilessly trolled for claiming he was 'hacked' after liking several Instagram comments mocking the Today show's new lineup
'Did you get p**ed and go rogue again? Classic you,' wrote one follower. Another soon followed with: 'I don't believe it for a second'.
One amusing comment in response to the 'hacking' claims stated: '[That] sounds like something fake Karlos would say'.
A more sceptical follower wrote: 'Yeah right, somebody gained access to your account and the only thing they did is like a couple of comments...'
Hmm! A growing number of fans are starting to question whether any 'hack' took place
Several fans jokingly blamed 'the Russians' for logging into Karl's Instagram account and 'liking' posts on his behalf over the weekend.
And one follower even suggested that Karl cover the 'investigation' into the so-called hacking as a correspondent for 60 Minutes.
It comes after Karl shared a statement to Instagram on Sunday claiming somebody gained unauthorised access his Instagram account while he was on a fishing trip.
It's a conspiracy! Several fans jokingly blamed 'the Russians' for logging into Karl's Instagram account and 'liking' posts on his behalf over the weekend
'Sounds like something fake Karlos would say': One follower suggested that Karl cover the 'investigation' into the so-called hacking as a correspondent for 60 Minutes
A compelling theory! 'Did you get p**ed and go rogue again? Classic you,' wrote one follower
'While I was out fishing my Instagram account has been hacked. I am investigating this with the authorities and will be back soon. Karlos,' he wrote.
His statement was in response to a flurry of social media activity on his account that morning, which was later reported on by Daily Mail Australia and other news outlets.
Karl's account had 'liked' two comments on the Today show's official Instagram page which mocked the new lineup featuring Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner.
The mystery of the two 'likes'! Karl's account had 'liked' two comments on the Today show's Instagram page which mocked the new lineup featuring Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner
One comment that the account 'liked' read: 'Won't be watching. Well, Miss Gardiner [sic] got her way. Pathetic, smile, agree and laugh. It's all they do.'
A second comment his page 'liked' read: 'Channel [Nine], the audience want answers.'
On Sunday, Karl's account also 'liked' posts from his brother Peter and sister-in-law Sylvia Jeffreys, and shared a birthday tribute to his younger sibling Tom.
Furthermore, his account 'followed' Sir Paul McCartney during the supposed security breach - but it is unclear if this activity was due to Karl or a 'hacker'.
How dare they! He later suggested the eyebrow-raising social media activity was the work of nefarious 'hackers'. Pictured: Karl on October 17, 2018 in Sydney
Daily Mail Australia first reported on December 27 that Karl's account had 'liked' another scathing Instagram comment about the Today show.
The comment read in part: 'I can't wait until the ratings drop even lower and they realise it wasn't you that was the problem after all.'
Channel Nine announced on Saturday evening that Deborah Knight, 46, would be replacing Karl as co-host of the Today show following his sacking on December 19.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Karl's representatives for comment.
Replaced: Channel Nine announced on Saturday evening that Deborah Knight (right) would be replacing Karl as co-host of the Today show following his sacking on December 19. Pictured with the rest of Today's new lineup, including Tom Steinfort (left) and Georgie Gardner (centre)
