Karl Stefanovic has experienced a significant blow to his income with the loss of two major professional engagements within days, including his contract with Channel Nine and a new radio role. This financial uncertainty comes as he and his wife, Jasmine Yarbrough, are undertaking a substantial $4.5 million rebuild of their Castlecrag home on Sydney's north shore.
Stefanovic's $2 million Channel Nine contract was axed, and his newly appointed Gold FM radio role was terminated after only two weeks. These departures follow controversy surrounding a podcast interview with British far-right figure Tommy Robinson. The podcast itself is not expected to generate sufficient income to support his lifestyle.
This is not the first time Stefanovic has faced financial challenges. His financial situation was significantly impacted following his 2016 divorce from his first wife, Cassandra Thorburn, after a 21-year marriage. The fallout from the divorce, which became a public relations issue for Nine, also contributed to his temporary removal from the morning show 'Today' before his return in 2020.
Past Financial and Personal Upheavals
The split from Thorburn was reportedly abrupt, leading to intense media speculation. Within months, Stefanovic began a relationship with Jasmine Yarbrough. At the time of the split, Thorburn was 45 and Stefanovic was 42. According to former co-host Lisa Wilkinson's 2021 memoir, 'It Wasn't Meant to Be Like This,' the 'Today' show's ratings suffered after Stefanovic's marriage ended and he went public with Yarbrough, reportedly alienating a portion of the female viewership.
In December 2018, Nine dismissed Stefanovic as host of 'Today' while he was on his honeymoon with Yarbrough in the United States, following their wedding in Mexico. He was reinstated on 'Today' in early 2020 as the network attempted to recover viewers.
Thorburn has publicly stated that Stefanovic left her shortly after she returned from grocery shopping to find his bags packed. Sources indicated she was devastated and blindsided by the separation. Thorburn, who had previously been an ABC journalist and line producer for 'Today,' had set aside her career ambitions to support Stefanovic's opportunities, including his role as Channel Nine's Los Angeles correspondent.
Following the divorce, Stefanovic reportedly did not contest asset division significantly. He retained approximately $500,000 and his Mercedes-Benz, while Thorburn received a reported $6 million and substantial monthly support payments. Thorburn retained two Sydney properties, though the family home in Lindfield was sold for $3.8 million shortly after the split. In 2019, she sold their Cremorne harbourfront mansion for $9 million.
Public Scrutiny and Career Reversals
In April 2017, reports suggested that Stefanovic's children with Thorburn had not attended his brother Peter Stefanovic's wedding, leading to claims from Thorburn that she and their children felt "discarded" by his extended family. A spokesperson for the Stefanovic family refuted these claims, stating that Karl regularly co-parents his children and that family dynamics are often compromised during difficult divorces.
Stefanovic's engagement to Yarbrough in February 2018 and their subsequent wedding in Los Cabos in December 2018 also drew significant media attention. Following their wedding and honeymoon, Stefanovic was axed from 'Today' by Nine. Upon returning to Australia, he was filmed confronting a photographer at Gold Coast Airport.
In 2020, Stefanovic returned to 'Today' with the aim of improving ratings, but the show continued to trail behind rivals. Most recently, in 2026, he was dropped by Nine and his radio show with ARN was also terminated due to backlash from his controversial podcast interview with Tommy Robinson.
During a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Stefanovic became emotional discussing how Yarbrough had coped with the fallout from his career setbacks. "She puts up with a lot. Her finding out this stuff and having to deal with me, because I'm a lot, and I'm in the public a lot," he said, visibly upset.
Ongoing Development and Financial Commitments
Despite these professional losses, construction on the couple's Castlecrag property continues. They purchased the site for $3.2 million in 2021 and received approval for a $4.5 million rebuild. The original 1960s house has been demolished to make way for a modern residence. The builder, Peter Oreb of Enter Building Group, confirmed that construction is proceeding as planned.
The couple also owns a holiday home in Sunshine Beach, near Noosa, which they purchased for $3.6 million in 2020 and subsequently renovated. After failing to sell the property at auction and through private treaty, it is now being offered as a holiday rental, generating between $2,000 and $3,700 per night when not in personal use.
Additionally, Stefanovic is reportedly funding his daughter Willow's education at the London College of Fashion, which incurs approximately $60,000 annually in international student fees. Willow has documented a lavish lifestyle during her studies in London, with posts showcasing luxury travel and experiences.