A war has erupted at the prestigious Explorers Club after director and TV star Josh Bernstein was disciplined for allegedly accepting freebies — sparking a backlash from members who blame a power struggle with club president Lorie Karnath.
Bernstein, host of History Channel’s “Digging for the Truth” and Discovery’s “Into the Unknown,” was censured and fined by the historic Upper East Side institution for accepting tickets from sponsors Rolex to the club’s annual spring dinner.
Bernstein’s lawyer, Daniel S. Steinberg, argued that Bernstein had broken no rules and said in a letter to the club that the action “resulted in unwarranted criticism of his character and integrity.” Bernstein didn’t comment.
Steinberg’s position was echoed by others at the club, which boasts past members including Charles Lindbergh, Neil Armstrong, Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Dr. Ken Kamler, a micro-surgeon, Mount Everest explorer, NASA scientist and a current club director, blames Karnath. He said, “This is a vengeful move on her part. The truth is, Josh is a real explorer and Lorie Karnath is not, and she is threatened.
“He is a potential future president of this club, and she is doing this to stay in power,” Kamler said. “The Explorers Club is being ruined. She is wealthy and wants to rub shoulders with explorers while promoting cronies. It is turning into a rich person’s travel club.”
Fellow director J
im Clash added,“What is happening there now is truly insane. Sir Edmund Hillary, our late honorary president, is probably rolling over in his grave.”
Karnath declined to comment, referring us to the club’s legal co-chair Benjamin H. Hulsey. He said, “Lorie is the best president we have had in years. I have never seen her do anything inappropriate.” Director Anne L. Doubilet also defended Karnath, saying, “She has brought the club into the 21st century. Sometimes people are jealous.”