Channel Nine presenter Karl Stefanovic has deleted an episode of his podcast featuring UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson, after the interview drew widespread criticism. The episode, which aired on the Karl Stefanovic Show, saw Stefanovic praise Robinson's “tenacity” and “courage” as Robinson railed against Islam, multiculturalism, and hate speech laws.
In a clip promoted on social media, Stefanovic was seen walking with his arm around Robinson, who asked him to finish the sentence “Keir Starmer is a …”. Stefanovic responded “wanker”, and the pair laughed. The full interview was removed from YouTube and podcast feeds by Wednesday morning, with no explanation given. The promo was also deleted from Instagram, though clips remained on X.com.
Pauline Hanson’s YouTube channel republished the full interview, claiming “Channel 9 want to sack Karl over this interview”. During the near-hour-long episode, Robinson repeated claims that Muslims were “terrorising” Britain and Australia, which Stefanovic did not challenge. Robinson praised Hanson for her resilience, and Stefanovic ended the interview by admiring Robinson's “courage”.
Nine declined to comment on the independently produced podcast. Stefanovic, who reportedly earns $2.8m at Nine, is understood to be planning an exit from television. The podcast was approved by Nine last year in return for a pay cut. Robinson has a lengthy criminal record, including convictions for violence, public order offences, and stalking journalists.
