Karl Stefanovic slams French as ‘freaks’ and ‘rude’ after criticism for partying in Paris amid Nine sackings and pay disputes

Karl Stefanovic has slammed the French, calling them “strange and rude”, despite enjoying some of the best views Paris has to offer while in France covering the Olympics for Nine.

The 49-year-old Today show host made the comments during an appearance on The Kyle & Jackie O Show on Monday while discussing his journey.

Karl, who watched several events at the Paris Olympics, mentioned that he enjoyed watching Greco-Roman wrestling, but “not as much as watching the blue smurf at the opening ceremony.”

“The Pope wrote a letter about it,” Kyle, 53, said, referring to criticism the show has drawn for a banquet scene during which an actor playing the Greek god Dionysus sat in the middle of a table with drag queens.

The scene was interpreted as reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper”, and some religious groups condemned the ceremony, including the Catholic Church in France, which said it contained “scenes of mockery and ridicule of Christianity”.

However, Karl downplayed the controversy while commenting on the French.

“The French are weirdos. They’re complete weirdos. We all know that,” he said, before adding that “they’re a bit of a strange nation sexually.”

When Kyle’s co-host Jackie O’Henderson, 49, asked Karl how he found speaking French to locals, he replied: “I really don’t like them, they’re so rude.”

It comes after Karl faced criticism for partying in Paris following a series of layoffs at Nine.

Karl and his wife Jasmine recently went to the exclusive restaurant Girafe, which requires a Game Pass to enter.

Jasmine shared photos from the lavish occasion on Instagram and revealed that Channel Nine paid the bill at the posh restaurant.

“La Girafe with you. Thank you @channel9 for a beautiful dinner,” she wrote in the caption, indicating that the couple dined at the station’s expense.

At this pricey restaurant, caviar can be had for up to €650 (A$1,075), while main courses cost between $60 and $70.

However, not everyone was happy with the post. Many fans felt it was not the best timing given the recent reports of staff layoffs at Nine Entertainment.

One Instagram comment expressed fury: “I’m sure all the people who just got fired from Channel Nine will be happy to see you eating at the most expensive restaurant in Paris, paid for by Channel Nine!”

Another said: “100%. Like reading a room. Go eat dinner and have a good time. But at least have the compassion not to write about it.”

According to Woman’s Day magazine, there have also been reports that Nine staff are furious at having to stay in a budget hotel while Karl, Nine CEO Mike Sneesby and the management team are luxuriating in the five-star Le Pavilion de la Reine hotel and spa.

Hundreds of job cuts are planned at Nine Entertainment, including in its popular TV news division, which has led to a staff strike.

In June, Nine Entertainment CEO Mike Sneesby announced job cuts as part of the company’s $30 million cost-cutting plan.

“Out of our nationwide team of almost 5,000, we expect to see around 200 roles across Nine affected, including some vacancies and temporary positions that will not be filled,” he confirmed.