‘Difficult time’: Former Nine presenter addresses ‘Lambo Guy’ controversy

Former Today program presenter Alex Cullen has spoken out for the first time since being stood down by Nine for accepting a cash prize in return for something he said on air.

“This has been a very difficult time and I just want to say thank you to all the wonderful people who reached out. It means the world to me and my young family,” the prominent presenter wrote on Instagram on Sunday, accompanied by a photo of himself with his young son, Max.

Former Today presenter Alex Cullen.Credit: Yianni Photography

“I will miss my colleagues at Today and wish them the best. Thank you again and I look forward to whatever comes next.”

Cullen agreed to stand down from the breakfast show on January 18 after it was revealed he had accepted a $50,000 offer from Melbourne-based billionaire Adrian Portelli to refer to him on air by a new nickname rather than Portelli’s well-known “Lambo Guy” tag.

In an attempt to rid himself of his current nickname, Portelli offered a cash prize to the first journalist or media presenter who referred to him publicly by his preferred moniker, “McLaren Man”. Cullen did so during a live-cross from the Australian Open, after which Portelli posted apparent receipts of his bank transfer to Cullen with the caption: “We have a winner! Well played sir.”

A Nine spokesperson confirmed the network had taken Cullen off air while it conducted a review of the incident. It was also confirmed that Cullen returned the cash to Portelli, who then told followers he had donated it to the RSPCA and the Salvation Army on Cullen’s behalf. Portelli said Cullen had initially told him it was his intention to donate the funds to charity.

On Friday, Today co-host Karl Stefanovic informed viewers of Cullen’s departure.

“As most of you are well aware, our colleague Alex Cullen has not been on air with us this past week. There has been widespread reporting on the circumstances surrounding this; what I can say is that last night, Alex and Nine agreed that he would finish with the network,” Stefanovic said.

Portelli earned the “Lambo Guy” label in 2022 after appearing on reality TV show The Block in a yellow Lamborghini. The mogul has since bought multiple houses from the show. He spent more than $15 million last year to secure every property up for auction.

Portelli is currently facing charges in South Australia for allegedly conducting or assisting an unlawful lottery. He has denied the charges, and his lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf last week.

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