Channel Nine stars have taken to social media to throw their support behind axed Today host Alex Cullen.
Cullen was dropped as a presenter on Today last Friday, following revelations he accepted a $50,000 gift from The Block millionaire Adrian Portelli.
The father-of-three eventually broke his silence on Sunday, taking to Instagram to share a heartfelt message alongside a photo with his three-year-old son, Max.
Cullen wrote: “This has been an incredibly tough time. Thank you to everyone who has reached out – it means the world to me and my family. I’ll miss my Today colleagues and wish them all the best. Here’s to what’s next.”
His fellow Channel Nine colleagues were quick to jump online and comment on Cullen’s message.
Today Extra host David Campbell wrote: “It has been an honour and a pleasure to sit with you, nerd out and compare Biden impersonations. Yours was better. Love to you and the family.” Today newsreader Jayne Azzopardi wrote: “We’ll miss you too, Alex. Big love to your family”.
Entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins also jumped on to write: “Stay well Mate … love to all”, while Cullen’s fellow Today host Sarah Abo left three heart emojis.
While Cullen received warm support from former colleagues, many commenters aimed at Channel Nine, slamming the network and pledging to boycott Today.
One user wrote: “The Today show crew should be on strike over this ridiculous decision… I won’t be turning into 9 switching to 7… all the best in the future.”
While another added: “A stupid decision by channel 9 and once again talent like you gets taken away.”
In a written statement provided to Mediaweek Nine confirmed it “has agreed with Cullen that he will finish with the network following a review into a recent incident.”
The network also provided background on the policies which Cullen breached:
• Broadcast journalists and on air talent are required to adhere to a number of policies and procedures with respect to third-party commercial arrangements.
• Nine conducts regular training regarding these policies and procedures, however we will be using this opportunity to remind our team members of their obligations.
Portelli has since donated the $50,000 to charity.
Pictured: Alex Cullen