A Nine Network reporter, Alex Cullen, has been stood down after allegedly accepting a $50,000 payment from billionaire Adrian Portelli. The payment was reportedly made after Cullen referred to Portelli by the nickname 'McLaren man' during a live broadcast from the Australian Open.
Portelli, who previously disliked being called the 'Lambo guy', offered $50,000 to the first television presenter to use the alternative moniker on air. Cullen used the term in a cross to the Today show, with host Karl Stefanovic suggesting they split the money.
Portelli posted a screenshot of a bank transfer to Cullen on social media. Nine confirmed it had taken Cullen off air and arranged for the funds to be returned. 'Nine is taking this matter extremely seriously,' a spokesperson said.
The incident occurs as Portelli faces legal trouble. In December, he and his company LMCT+ were charged with conducting an unlawful lottery in South Australia. Portelli has indicated he will plead not guilty to nine charges relating to prize draws associated with The Block properties.
LMCT+ operates a subscription-based rewards club offering entries to win cars and houses. Under South Australian law, trade promotion lotteries with prizes over $5,000 require a licence and must be free to enter. The court alleges the company did not hold the necessary licence.
