Australian Sports Reporter Issues On-Air Apology After Tipsy Olympics Appearance
Australian sports reporter Danika Mason has publicly apologized after appearing slightly inebriated during a live broadcast from the Winter Olympics in Italy. The Channel 9 lead sports journalist addressed the incident during a segment on the breakfast show Today, expressing regret for her behavior.
The Infamous Live Segment
During a Wednesday morning check-in from Lovigno, Italy, Mason engaged in a conversation with co-hosts Jayne Azzopardi and Karl Stevanovic about Olympic locations and Italian coffee prices. Viewers noted her slurred speech and unusual demeanor, with Stevanovic humorously comparing her to "a frozen iguana" in reference to reptiles that fell from Florida trees during a recent cold snap.
"Literally like the price of coffee over here is actually fine, it's more the price of coffee in the U.S. that we're gonna have to get used to," Mason said during the segment, while Stevanovic chuckled off-camera. Despite her condition, she managed to discuss U.S. skier Lindsay Vonn's Olympic exit and other sports highlights before the segment concluded.
Explaining the Circumstances
The following morning, Mason returned to the airwaves with a heartfelt apology, acknowledging she had "a drink" before going live. She cited multiple contributing factors including the extreme cold weather in the Italian Alps, the high altitude, and having not eaten dinner beforehand.
"I shouldn't have had a drink, especially in these conditions," Mason stated. "But I want to take full responsibility. It's not the standard that I set for myself." She expressed embarrassment over the situation but thanked those who had reached out with messages of support.
Colleagues and Prime Minister Show Support
Mason's colleagues immediately offered their support during the apology segment. Azzopardi reassured her, saying "We know how hard you work, Danika," while Stevanovic added, "You're the best. Danika. Don't worry about it. Let's move on. You're a legend."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also weighed in on the incident, calling himself "pro Danika" and commending her for making amends. He suggested the time difference and fatigue from covering the Olympics overseas likely contributed to the situation, ultimately declaring "Nothing to see here" regarding the on-air gaffe.
Historical Context and Public Reaction
The incident sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many Australians recalling Stevanovic's own intoxicated appearance on the Today show five years earlier after a long night of partying before the Logies awards. At that time, Stevanovic had similarly apologized for his behavior, though he later suggested the incident may have actually helped his career by making him more relatable to viewers.
"It's that age-old theory in TV that if you haven't harmed anyone, the public might find it funny," Stevanovic remarked in a 2014 interview, noting that the public had been "tremendously supportive" following his own on-air mishap.
Mason, who made her name covering the National Rugby League before being assigned to cover the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, emphasized her commitment to professional standards despite the unfortunate incident. The reporter's candid apology and the supportive responses from colleagues and public figures highlight the challenges faced by journalists working in demanding international environments while maintaining the composure expected of live broadcast professionals.
