Alex Cullen Emotional on Air Over Melbourne Life After Today Show Scandal
Veteran presenter Alex Cullen became visibly emotional during a live radio broadcast on Monday morning, as he reflected on his family's new life in Melbourne following a tumultuous year that saw him fired from Channel Nine's Today show. The 45-year-old sports journalist opened up about his journey during an appearance on Gold 104.3's The Christian O'Connell Show.
A New Beginning in Melbourne
Cullen described a poignant moment shared with his wife Bonnie, where they looked at each other and acknowledged how good their current situation had become. 'We had a moment, Bonnie and I, we just looked at each other and went, how good is this? Last year was really hard for us. We lived in Sydney for twenty-five years and we're in Melbourne now,' the presenter told his co-host.
He elaborated on the significant improvements in his life since relocating to Melbourne late last year, emphasizing the positive changes for his entire family. 'We had this moment where we thought to ourselves, "Gee, look at the journey we're on. This is such a wonderful community we're now part of. We're making friends." The kids are settled, they're happy, a really wonderful moment for our family,' Cullen shared emotionally.
The presenter characterized the past year as a rollercoaster, but highlighted the special nature of finding their place in a new community. 'It's been a rollercoaster, it really has. You have those moments where you just look at each other and go, look at where we are, at this wonderful place, this community we're now part of. It was just a really special moment for us,' he said.
Background to the Controversy
The heart-warming reflection comes after a difficult period for Cullen, who was dismissed from the Today show in January 2025 for accepting a $50,000 gift from controversial Block bidder Adrian Portelli. The payment occurred after Cullen became the first media personality to use Portelli's self-proclaimed nickname 'McLaren Man' during a live broadcast, sparking immediate controversy that ultimately led to his departure from Channel Nine.
In June, Cullen secured a new position as a sports presenter on Melbourne's Gold 104.3 breakfast program, The Christian O'Connell Show. Host Christian O'Connell announced the appointment live on-air with characteristic enthusiasm. 'Alex Cullen is a brilliant journalist who is looking for a job! You might recognise the name, he's the guy who took the $50,000... That's our guy!' O'Connell began.
The radio host explained that commercial radio operates under different rules than television, welcoming Cullen to their team with a touch of humor. 'Now Channel Nine might go, "Listen, we can't have that", but commercial breakfast radio... We are very much up for payola! Don't worry Alex, you have found a home here, my friend,' he declared.
Cullen's Career Transition
Alex Cullen expressed his excitement about joining the radio show in an official statement. 'This is such an exciting next chapter for me,' he wrote. 'I started my career in radio, so to be coming back to it, joining a show that's so loved and so full of heart is a real thrill. I can't wait to be on air with Christian, Pats and Rio, and to get to know Melbourne – my family and I are thrilled to be making it our new home.'
His departure from Channel Nine was announced live on-air by Today host Karl Stefanovic in January 2025. 'As most of you are well aware, Alex has not been on air with us this past week,' a solemn Stefanovic told viewers. 'There has been widespread reporting on the circumstances surrounding this, what I can say is that last night, Alex and Nine agreed he would finish with the network.'
A Nine spokesperson confirmed the separation, stating: 'Nine has agreed with Today presenter and journalist Alex Cullen that he will finish with the network following a review into a recent incident.'
The Controversial Payment
The scandal originated when Adrian Portelli, tired of his previous nickname 'Mr Lambo' (earned after arriving at a 2022 Block auction in a yellow Lamborghini), offered a $50,000 reward to the first person to use his new 'McLaren Man' moniker on air. Cullen obliged during a Today show broadcast, after which Portelli posted what appeared to be a bank transfer of $50,000 to the presenter on Instagram.
Accepting cash, gifts, or benefits that undermine journalistic independence, along with improperly using a journalistic position for personal gain, both constitute breaches of the journalism code of ethics as defined by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance union. The ill-advised stunt led to Cullen's immediate suspension by Nine while the network investigated the payment.
Despite Portelli's subsequent claim that Cullen intended the money to be paid to charity all along, Nine proceeded with parting ways with the journalist. The controversy marked a significant professional setback for Cullen, making his emotional reflection on his new Melbourne life and radio career particularly poignant.
