Former Today host Karl Stefanovic has hit back at his critics, saying they can “go f*** themselves” in a new interview with UK broadcaster Piers Morgan.
The comments came after Stefanovic’s controversial podcast interview with far-right figure Tommy Robinson, which led to him being axed from his long-running career with Nine.
After appearing on The Karl Stefanovic Show last week, Morgan returned the favour by interviewing Stefanovic for Piers Morgan Uncensored, with a preview released ahead of its full broadcast.
In the short clip, Stefanovic said he was focused on moving forward after his departure from Nine and dismissed those who criticised him.
“I’ve got too much to do,” the Australian broadcaster said. “Too much I want to do.”
Discussing his critics, Stefanovic said: “Those people aren’t working in the industry anymore so they can …”
He then raised both middle fingers before adding: “You know what I’m saying?”
When Morgan encouraged him to finish the thought, Stefanovic replied: “Well they can go f*** themselves.”
He then jokes: “Can you edit that?”
It was not immediately clear who Stefanovic was referring to in the comments.
Morgan said the interview would cover Stefanovic’s departure from Today, after more than 20 years with the network, as well as his thoughts on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The pair also discussed the Prime Minister’s recent appearance on comedian Nikki Osborne’s Bush Deep podcast, where his comments about Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman and Rhonda Burchmore sparked controversy.
At the time, he was asked to play a game of “shag, marry or date” with the three Australian entertainers, Albanese initially said: “I’ve just got married, I’m only six months in …”
After being pressed for an answer, he replied: “Kylie, clearly.”
When asked if he would marry, date and have a sexual relationship with Minogue, Albanese responded:
“All of the above. She’s terrific.”
The Prime Minister later apologised “unequivocally for the comments” after they attracted criticism.
Stefanovic told Morgan he believed Albanese’s appearance on the show was hypocritical, given that during his appearance on Stefanovic’s podcast, he told him “words do matter” for prominent people.
Albanese had also commented on Stefanovic’s podcast, saying it had moved towards the “edges of what is mainstream political debate in this country” after his interviews with controversial figures.
Stefanovic defended his decision to interview people with different views, saying:
“I think that we’ve got to have a media landscape now that does present these stories and, and however you present them, if you don’t like my show, then don’t watch, right?”
“If you don’t like the interview, then don’t watch. But I’m going to continue interviewing people because I want to hear what they’re made of, what makes them so popular, why they can be a driving force in the place like the UK.”
Stefanovic also stood by his interview with Robinson, saying:
“I stand by Tommy Robinson.”
The interview with Robinson was removed from Stefanovic’s platforms shortly after it was released in June and remains unavailable on his YouTube and streaming channels.
Image: YouTube
