Karl Stefanovic has slammed the French as ‘weird and rude’ despite enjoying the best Paris has to offer while in France for Nine’s Olympics coverage.
The Today show host, 49, made the comments during an appearance on Monday’s The Kyle & Jackie O Show while discussing his trip.
Karl, who took in some events at the Paris Olympics, mentioned that he enjoyed watching the Greco-Roman wrestling, but ‘not quite as much as the blue smurf at the Opening Ceremony.’
‘The Pope put out a letter about that,’ said Kyle, 53, referring to the criticism the showpiece drew for a banquet scene where an actor playing Greek god Dionysus took centre stage on a table with drag queens.
The scene was interpreted to resemble Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper painting and some religious groups condemned the ceremony, including the Catholic Church in France who said it included ‘scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity’.
But Karl downplayed the controversy by making comments about the French people.
‘The French are weirdos. They’re complete weirdos. We all know that,’ he said, before adding that, ‘they’re kind of a weird nation sexually.’
After Kyle’s co-host Jackie O Henderson, 49, asked Karl about how he fared speaking French to the locals, he said: ‘I don’t really like them that much, they’re so rude.’
Karl Stefanovic has slammed the French as ‘weird and rude’ despite enjoying the best Paris has to offer while in France for Nine’s Olympics coverage. Pictured with wife Jasmine and daughter Willow
It comes after Karl copped criticism for living it up in Paris after a series of layoffs at the Nine network.
Karl and his wife Jasmine recently headed to the exclusive Girafe Restaurant, which requires a Game Pass for entry.
Jasmine shared photographs from the lavish occasion to Instagram and revealed that Channel Nine had foot the bill at the high-class restaurant.
‘The French are weirdos. They’re complete weirdos. We all know that,’ he said in an interview on The Kyle & Jackie O Show on Monday
‘La Girafe with you. Thank you @channel9 for a beautiful dinner,’ she wrote in the caption, indicating the pair had dined out on the network’s dime.
The pricey eatery offers caviar for as much as €650 (AUD $1075), with main dishes sitting in the $60-$70 range.
But not everyone was happy with the post, with many fans arguing that it was ill-timed, considering the recent news of staff lay-offs at Nine Entertainment.
As well as reporting live on the Olympic action with co-host Sarah Abo, Karl has also been making the most of the sights of Paris and enjoying some lavish outings in the city
One comment on Instagram fumed: ‘I’m sure all the people who have just been sacked from Channel Nine will be happy to see you eating at the most expensive restaurant in Paris paid for by Channel Nine!’
Another said: ‘100%. Like read the room. Go have the dinner and enjoy yourself. But at least have enough compassion to not post about it.’
According to Woman’s Day, there are also reports that Nine network staff are livid they’re staying in budget accomodation while Karl, Nine CEO Mike Sneesby and the leadership team luxuriate in the five-star Le Pavilion de la Reine hotel and spa.
Hundreds of jobs are set to be axed at Nine Entertainment, including roles in the high-profile TV news division, which resulted in a staff strike.
In June, Nine Entertainment chief executive Mike Sneesby announced the job cuts to staff as part of a $30million cost-cutting plan for the business.
‘From our nationwide team of almost 5000 people, around 200 jobs are expected to be affected across Nine, including some vacant and casual roles not being filled,’ he confirmed.
Many fans have argued that Karl’s holiday snaps are ill-timed, considering the recent news of staff lay-offs at Nine Entertainment
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