Former Today host Karl Stefanovic, 51, fought back tears during his first interview since being let go by Channel Nine, discussing the emotional toll on his family and his inability to say goodbye to viewers.
Departure After Tommy Robinson Podcast
Stefanovic parted ways with Nine last week after hosting controversial British far-right figure Tommy Robinson on his podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show. In an episode released Wednesday, he sat down with English broadcaster Piers Morgan, who shared his own experience of being forced out of hosting Good Morning Britain after accusing Meghan Markle of lying during her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Emotional Reaction and Family Impact
Stefanovic appeared distressed when Morgan asked if he had felt emotional since getting the news. "Just when I was thinking about my ... just my wife," Stefanovic said, pausing and fighting back tears. "She puts up with a lot. Her finding out this stuff and having to deal with me, because I’m a lot ... to hear her upset was the hardest thing." He said his wife Jasmine was "really upset at first" and had "copped heat" on social media.
No Chance to Say Goodbye
Stefanovic lamented not being able to say goodbye to his Today audience of 21 years. "I have had an intimate audience for 21 years ... but I don’t get to say goodbye to them in a public way. So for me not to have that dialogue, that’s upsetting to me. It’s painful," he said.
Contract and Future Plans
He confirmed his contract with Nine would have expired at the end of 2026 and revealed he had told Nine he was leaving the Today show two or three months ago. Defending his decision to interview Robinson, Stefanovic said, "I love Australia. I work really f****** hard, and to have it end like that is ... I’m not going to stop and roll up in a ball on the side of the f****** highway."
Morgan's Support and Further Fallout
Morgan called Stefanovic’s termination "ridiculous," describing him as an "integral part of Australian popular culture." He added, "It’s your right to have anyone you want on your podcast and to ask questions ... I just don’t understand what Channel Nine are thinking." The fallout extended to radio network Gold FM, which followed Nine in removing Stefanovic from its books. This came three weeks after the launch of The Long Weekend, a Friday afternoon chat show anchored by Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire. McGuire hosted solo on Friday, reading a statement from Gold owner Australian Radio Network distancing itself from Stefanovic’s podcast series.
