Karl Stefanovic allegedly terrified of paparazzi linking him to women

He’s the cheeky TV personality known for his larrikin behaviour but it seems Sydney’s paparazzi has got Karl Stefanovic running scared.

After being linked to several women since the breakup of his marriage Karl Stefanovic is said to be scared of being seen in public with women no matter what the relationship for fear of being papped.

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He’s the cheeky TV personality known for his larrikin behaviour but it seems Sydney’s paparazzi have got Karl Stefanovic running scared.

One source, whose company recently employed Stefanovic for a high-profile MC gig, told Confidential the Today host is so terrified of being papped that he’s asking women — including those with purely platonic and professional relationships to him — to keep their distance.

“When I walked him out after the function and went to kiss him on the cheek to say thanks, he visibly stiffened and asked me not to,” the female insider said. “It’s gotten bad. Everywhere he goes, they follow and will take a photo of him chatting to a woman and sell it as Karl’s new love interest.”

Stefanovic and his wife of 21 years Cassandra Thorburn split in September.

Since Stefanovic and wife of 21 years Cassandra Thorburn split in September, the city’s freelance photographers have worked themselves into a frenzy trying to snap the 42-year-old father of three. Women’s magazines have employed a scattergun approach to finding the star’s latest love, variously linking him to Delta Goodrem, a “25-year-old blonde marketing executive” at Nine and food blogger Sofia Levin since his marriage split.

Nine yesterday said they would be taking legal action to stop the rumours.

“This very personal campaign is being prosecuted by weekly women’s magazines running fictitious and damaging articles about Karl Stefanovic that are without any foundation of fact. Nine has instructed Mark O’Brien to act on Karl and Nine’s behalf in this matter and take the necessary steps to defend his reputation against the endless fabrications,” said Nine News boss Darren Wick in a statement.

Delta Goodrem is just one of the women Stefanovic has been linked with by women’s magazines since his marriage breakdown. Pictures: Jack Tran

After the turmoil in his life, Stefanovic went off air at the end of the official ratings year last week, and is expected to continue to rest until next year.

“Previously what we’ve done with Karl is that he has often shot 60 Minutes stories over the summer,” Wick said earlier this month.

“We don’t want him doing that this year — just have a break. What he’s working through with his family ... he needs to have a break and just rest and spend time with his family.”

Nine yesterday hit out at suggestions in New Idea that Stefanovic was leaving the network, saying the story was absolutely false.

Nine has even had to come out and deny that Stefanovic is leaving the station.

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