‘Upset, angry, sad’: Karl Stefanovic officially out of Today Show after controversial podcast
His co-stars confirmed that Karl Stefanovic will not be returning to The Today Show.
Co-host Sarah Abo said there was “a lot of speculation about Karl’s future on the show.”
“We wanted to let you know that Karl will not be returning to the Today Show or tonight,” he said.
“This is our friend and colleague. It goes without saying that Karl’s presence will be missed. Twenty years is a long time.”
Sarah said Stefanovic would focus on “other projects” and that there were “a lot of emotions” surrounding his departure.
“We’ve talked to a lot of people with different feelings over the last few days,” he said.
“They’re sad, they’re angry, they’re upset that all of this is happening.
“And we all hope it doesn’t end this way.”
Stefanovic found himself in hot water this week following his controversial podcast interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
In the trailer for the episode, Stefanovic put his arm around Robinson and said he admired her “perseverance” in “trying to stand up for what you believe is right.”
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was convicted of assault, drug possession, mortgage fraud and contempt of court, and was also given a five-year surveillance order for harassing a journalist.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Channel 9 executives held “crisis meetings” at their headquarters in Sydney following the interview.
The episode was removed from the internet less than 12 hours after it aired and Nine distanced itself from the podcast.
“The Karl Stefanovic Show is a completely independent production. Nine has no involvement, including guest selection and other editorial processes,” the statement said.
“But Granny is taking this matter seriously.”
More to come
