Keshnee Ibrahim, business partner to Australian television personality Karl Stefanovic, has initiated urgent Supreme Court action to prevent Stefanovic from removing her from their joint podcast venture, 123 Podcast Pty Ltd. Ibrahim filed legal papers on Monday, seeking to halt a board meeting scheduled for Friday where her directorship was to be addressed. She is also requesting the court order Stefanovic to purchase her 45 percent share in the company at a fair market value.
The legal dispute marks a significant escalation in the fallout between Ibrahim and Stefanovic, who launched 'The Karl Stefanovic Show' podcast earlier this year. The company, registered in February, saw both individuals hold equal 45 percent stakes, with Stefanovic's accountant, Anthony Bell, holding the remaining 10 percent. Bell is not involved in the current disagreement.
Sources indicate that negotiations for a buyout stalled approximately one month ago, following Ibrahim's repeated proposals for an independent valuation of the business. The conflict reportedly intensified after Stefanovic's contentious interview with British far-right figure Tommy Robinson was published on streaming platforms. The episode was subsequently removed by 123 Podcast Pty Ltd within days.
Tensions between Stefanovic and Ibrahim escalated rapidly after the Robinson interview, according to individuals familiar with the situation. Stefanovic has reportedly informed associates that Ibrahim was responsible for securing Nine's approval for the interview. However, sources close to Ibrahim have refuted this, asserting that the interview was Stefanovic's initiative.
"Karl himself identified Robinson as a prospective guest and is recorded as being 'very keen' to interview him," a source told news.com.au. "He has his own lawyers and management and was responsible for his own editorial decisions."
This legal battle follows Stefanovic's dismissal from Nine's morning program, 'Today,' on June 25, reportedly stemming from the podcast interview. The podcast itself went on hiatus on August 24, coinciding with the breakdown of buyout negotiations.
'The Karl Stefanovic Show' had garnered 215,000 YouTube subscribers and secured sponsorships from companies including Rode microphones, Revive5, and Neds. However, clothing company Ringers Western withdrew its sponsorship earlier this month.
Ibrahim, a childhood friend of Stefanovic's wife, Jasmine, has a substantial background in television and publishing. Her role in establishing the podcast involved driving its business and content strategy, production, and managing platforms, sponsorships, and commercial relationships, particularly during the initial six months when Stefanovic was still employed full-time by Nine. She previously held editorial positions at Who and Cosmopolitan magazines and served in digital leadership roles at Pacific Magazines.