James Packer ‘supporting’ Karl Stefanovic through Today axing thanks to their ‘sacred’ friendship

‘The friendship is sacred to them’: James Packer ‘supporting’ Karl Stefanovic through Today axing after joining his honeymoon the moment news was announced

They have been close friends for two decades now.

And James Packer was by Karl Stefanovic’s side as his career came crashing down on Wednesday when Nine announced his axing from the Today show. 

The Billionaire, 51, had joined the TV personality, 44, and wife Jasmine Yarbrough, 34, on their honeymoon in Aspen, and The Sydney Morning Herald claims James was there to ‘support’ his friend through the difficult time. 

‘The friendship is sacred to them’: James Packer ‘supporting’ Karl Stefanovic through Today axing… after joining his honeymoon the moment news was announced

‘The friendship is sacred to them and private, but bigger than any job or any story could be,’ a source close to Karl allegedly told the publication on Sunday.

The newspaper claims that the foundation of their friendship is ‘two men in the spotlight bearing the same pressures and not pretending to be invincible.’   

‘Both of them just wear their heart on their sleeves,’ the insider concluded. 

Close bond: The Sydney Morning Herald claims the foundation of their friendship is 'two men in the spotlight bearing the same pressures and not pretending to be invincible'

Close bond: The Sydney Morning Herald claims the foundation of their friendship is ‘two men in the spotlight bearing the same pressures and not pretending to be invincible’

After flying back from his ‘buddymoon’ to Sydney with wife Jasmine on Friday, Karl was looking to the future with much positivity.

‘I’m moving forward with a sense of excitement about what’s to come,’ he told the waiting media at the airport.

Darren Wick, director of news and current affairs at Nine, confirmed on Wednesday the Karl will remain at Nine.

‘Karl remains on contract with the network and will continue to host This Time Next Year, which records in February,’ he said in a statement. 

'I wish them the best of luck': Despite James and Karl's close bond, the tycoon was a no show at the TV star's Mexican wedding to shoe designer Jasmine at the start of December

‘I wish them the best of luck’: Despite James and Karl’s close bond, the tycoon was a no show at the TV star’s Mexican wedding to shoe designer Jasmine at the start of December

Despite James and Karl’s close bond, the tycoon was a no show at the TV star’s Mexican wedding to shoe designer Jasmine on December 08.

Instead, he joined them days later on their honeymoon in Aspen. 

Speaking to PS Sydney, James said that despite not being able to attend he wished the couple all the best.

‘I wish them the best of luck, hope they have a life full of happiness together, and send them my love,’ he said.

It was originally speculated that the billionaire would not attend the luxurious wedding after opting instead to help celebrate his mother Ros’ 80th birthday.  

Private celebration: Although James avoided the fanfare surrounding their big day (pictured), he joined them days later on their 'buddymoon' in Aspen along with his girlfriend Kylie Lim

Private celebration: Although James avoided the fanfare surrounding their big day (pictured), he joined them days later on their ‘buddymoon’ in Aspen along with his girlfriend Kylie Lim

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk