Nine Network reporter Alex Cullen has been stood down after allegedly accepting a $50,000 payment from billionaire Adrian Portelli for using the nickname 'McLaren man' on air. Portelli, known for his involvement in The Block auctions, offered the sum to the first TV presenter to refer to him by that moniker, which he prefers over the earlier 'Lambo guy'.
Cullen used the nickname during a live cross from the Australian Open to the Today show, where host Karl Stefanovic also used it. Portelli later posted a screenshot of a $50,000 bank transfer to Cullen on Instagram, saying 'We have a winner! Well played sir.'
Nine confirmed the investigation, stating the funds are being returned and Cullen has agreed to stand down. 'Nine is taking this matter extremely seriously,' a spokesperson said.
Portelli, who spent $15 million on all five properties in the 2024 season of The Block, faces legal issues. In December, he and his company LMCT+ were charged with conducting an unlawful lottery in South Australia. He has indicated he will plead not guilty.
The charges relate to a promotion where members could win properties, including a Gisborne house featured on The Block, or a $3 million cash prize. The lottery allegedly lacked the required licence for prizes over $5,000.
