Unearthed footage reveals Karl Stefanovic’s REAL thoughts on Meghan Markle

Karl Stefanovic has been widely criticised for hosting a 60 Minutes segment about  Meghan Markle, in which he questioned the Duchess of Sussex’s requests for privacy.

The 45-year-old was branded a ‘hypocrite’ by Australian viewers, many of whom pointed out that he has accused the media of invading his own privacy in the past.

However, Karl’s negative views on Meghan appear to be relatively new, as resurfaced footage from late last year shows him praising her as an ‘amazing, amazing woman.’

In October 2018, while still a host of the Today show, Karl criticised the media’s ‘disgraceful’ portrayal of Meghan. 

‘I think it is disgraceful. I think she is an amazing, amazing woman,’ he began.

‘And I think she is doing her very best at the moment, and she is doing it so beautifully. She is such a great export for Great Britain.’ 

‘She’s an amazing woman’: In October 2018, while still a host of the Today show, Karl criticised the media’s ‘disgraceful’ portrayal of Meghan. Pictured with George Gardner (right)

Karl was responding to criticism of Prince Harry and Meghan’s visit to Dubbo during their Royal Tour of Australia at the time.

One media commentator had claimed that the Duchess was ‘acting’ when she smiled at members of the public. 

Earlier that year, Karl had flown to England to report on Harry and Meghan’s wedding, which took place at Windsor Castle in May 2018. 

Like most other broadcasters, he provided glowing coverage and lavished the former Suits actress with praise as she and Harry exchanged vows. 

‘I think it’s disgraceful’: Karl, who has long supported Meghan, also called her a ‘great export for Great Britain’ last year, adding that ‘she is doing her very best at the moment’

On Sunday, Karl was called a ‘hypocrite’ for his scathing 60 Minutes story about Meghan Markle, after he previously accused the media of invading his own privacy.

In the segment, Karl described how the public has apparently turned on Meghan, before he introduced controversial British commentator Katie Hopkins.

‘The couple appear to want a little privacy. Too much to ask? You bet. The public feel cheated, the tabloids have turned and the blame game – much of it directed at Meghan – is fierce,’ Karl said as an introduction. 

Outspoken: Karl (pictured) was called a ‘hypocrite’ for his 60 Minutes story about Meghan on Sunday, after he previously slammed the media for invading his private life

Despite the worst criticism coming from guests rather than Karl himself, the Channel Nine star was labelled a ‘hypocrite’. 

‘Watching the hypocrisy of Karl Stefanovic scrutinising a public person after pleading for his own privacy for two years. I mean, what is this?’ one person tweeted.

‘I can’t stand Meghan Markle, but @karlstefanovic ‘s smug @60Mins takedown is incredibly vile,’ another viewer wrote. 

Criticism: The 60 Minutes report targeted Meghan Markle (pictured with Prince Harry and son Archie) for wanting a private life

While Karl seemingly had no problem allowing Ms Hopkins to speak freely, in the past he has criticised others for doing so, which resulted in some viewers claiming he had a ‘double standard’.  

Karl, who is known for his outspoken tirades against the media, previously lashed out at Woman’s Day magazine despite hosting tabloid news show A Current Affair.

While reporting on Rebel Wilson’s $4.5million defamation win against Bauer Media, he said: ‘I for one will not be losing any sleep over that defamation judgement.

‘The material inside that magazine can bear little resemblance to the truth.’ 

Divisive figure: Karl introduced controversial British commentator Katie Hopkins (pictured), who labelled Meghan ‘the biggest hypocrite there is’

Backlash: Viewers did not hold back on Twitter after watching the segment 

He also took a jab at Australian news outlets for their ‘non-stop’ Schapelle Corby coverage in 2017, which confused fans given that some of the shows he worked on were also behind the coverage.

But in a more shocking incident, Karl was caught on camera in late 2018 berating a photographer at Gold Coast Airport who tried to take his picture.

‘Take your f**king camera and get out that f**king door, it’s f**king Christmas,’ Karl yelled as he confronted the paparazzo. 

”Why are you shaking? Have you got some disease? Are you sick in the head? You got a s**t job. It’s Christmas day. Go home!’

Controversy: The segment on Meghan (pictured with Harry in Tonga last year) was angrily condemned by fans, with some calling it ‘trash’ for giving a platform to ‘racists and bullies’

On Sunday, Karl went on to say Ms Hopkins believes ‘the future of the royal family is at stake, unless Meghan Markle is banished forthwith.’

But she refuted claims her dislike of the Duchess stems from her being mixed race. 

‘If I criticised Meghan, people say, “Well, you’re racist”. And, honestly, it’s not even a second thought to me,’ Ms Hopkins said. 

‘It only comes up in the minds of those who are truly racist, and that’s never people like me. I’m just observing… the dress is better on Kate, how she wears is it is better.

Bad decision? Ms Hopkins’ appearance on the program sparked furious backlash, with some viewers accusing 60 Minutes of ‘race baiting’

‘So this racist thing is really old and tired but I think it’s just peoples’ way of saying, “You must not criticise Meghan”.’

Ms Hopkins’ appearance on the program sparked furious backlash, with some viewers accusing 60 Minutes of ‘race baiting’.  

‘Interesting seeing all these ”royal experts” on 60 Minutes berating us all for daring to consider the racial implications of the Meghan Markle hate, but not a single one who isn’t white,’ one person tweeted. 

Public lives: The royal couple have come under fire for trying to keep parts of their lives private from the public and the media 

‘I don’t understand how Meghan-bashing is a story? She is amazing and you’ve dragged up a group of jealous wannabes and calling it newsworthy,’ another wrote.

A third tweeted: ‘The coordinated attempt to destroy Meghan Markle and chase her away from Prince Harry. It’s her blackness that is driving most of this vile attack. If she was not half black she would be lauded and each appearance would come with positive accolades.’ 

The segment had been criticised before it even aired on Sunday, after a promotional trailer for the show used colourful language to describe the Duchess.

‘#Megxit! How Meghan Markle lost her sparkle,’ tweeted 60 Minutes last week.

‘From adored to insufferable in less than a year. What went wrong for Meghan, and how it affects hubby Harry. SUNDAY on #60Mins: Inside a Royal crisis. Can the ghost of Princess Diana save a fairytale?’ 

Karl Stefanovic was slammed for the 60 Minutes segment which aired on Sunday night