'He was the only person in the pokie room': Karl Stefanovic 'went gambling alone after being called for a meeting with Channel Nine' - as it's claimed the network 'wants him gone by Easter'
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Karl Stefanovic reportedly spent time drinking and using pokie machines days after being called to Sydney for a meeting with Channel Nine executives.
The former Today host, 44, was pictured in the VIP lounge of The Buena pub in Mosman, Sydney recently, according to New Idea magazine.
An 'onlooker' told the publication: 'It was a beautiful sunny day outside but Karl was the only person in the pokie room and was playing alone.'
'He was the only person in the pokie room': Karl Stefanovic reportedly went gambling alone after being called in for a meeting with Channel Nine recently
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Karl Stefanovic's representatives for comment.
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New Idea claimed that Karl's sighting at The Buena came 'just days' after he was supposedly called in for a meeting at Nine's Willoughby headquarters.
He was apparently holidaying in Queensland with his wife Jasmine Yarbrough's family when he received a call to return to Sydney.
Favourite haunt? The former Today host, 44, was pictured in the VIP lounge of The Buena pub in Mosman, Sydney recently, according to New Idea magazine. Pictured: The Buena
'Hitting the pokies... Karl's week from hell': The father-of-three was pictured using a pokie machine on the cover of this week's New Idea magazine
It's possible the purpose of the meeting was to discuss Karl's recent Instagram activity.
Earlier this month, he was caught 'liking' several comments critical of Channel Nine and the Today show's new lineup.
He later claimed his account was 'hacked' while he was on a fishing trip - however Channel Nine is reportedly 'not buying' the excuse.
Urgent meeting with Nine bosses? Karl was apparently holidaying in Queensland with his wife Jasmine Yarbrough's family when he received a call to return to Sydney
An industry 'insider' told New Idea: 'As soon as Karl got the call [from Nine], he knew he was probably going to be in trouble and he was concerned bosses would use this opportunity to get rid of him once and for all.'
It comes after The Sunday Telegraph reported that the network 'wants Karl gone by Easter', despite him being under contract until the end of 2020.
An industry source said: 'Karl has to film the final segments for his show This Time Next Year at the end of February and that goes into most of March and after that they want him gone.'
Such a move could lead to Karl losing his $6million salary, which is due to be paid over his remaining two years at Nine.
Whoops! It's possible the purpose of the meeting was to discuss Karl's recent Instagram activity. Earlier this month, he was caught 'liking' several comments critical of Channel Nine and the Today show's new lineup
Hmm! Karl later claimed his account was 'hacked' while he was on a fishing trip - however Channel Nine is reportedly 'not buying' the excuse
The alleged reason behind Nine's 'push' to end Karl's contract is his media deal with Who magazine, which published exclusive photos from his Mexican wedding.
According to News Corp, Karl's contract apparently prohibits 'external deals' with rival media organisations.
The so-called Instagram 'hacking' scandal also rankled Nine executives, who 'didn't buy [his excuse] for a second'.
A network representative denied The Sunday Telegraph's report, however, saying 'it's just not true'.
Getting boned? It comes after The Sunday Telegraph reported that the network 'wants Karl gone by Easter', despite him being under contract until the end of 2020. Pictured with Jasmine Yarbrough on their wedding day in Los Cabos, Mexico on December 8, 2018
