Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Backs Reporter After Her On-Air Slip-Up At The Winter Olympics: ‘Nothing To See Here!’
Channel Nine sports reporter Danika Mason has apologised after an awkward moment during a live cross from the Winter Olympics in Italy that caught plenty of attention — and even drew a few words of support from the Prime Minister.
Delivering her sports update for the Today show live from Livigno on Wednesday morning (Australian time), Mason appeared to stumble through her segment while reporting on events at the Winter Games. This morning she addressed what happened directly on-air, saying she had simply made an error in judgement.
“Just before we do go, I just want to take a moment, if that’s OK, just to apologise,” Mason told co-hosts Karl Stefanovic and Jayne Azzopardi.
“I’m OK, probably just a little embarrassed. Look, I totally misjudged the situation — I shouldn’t have had a drink, especially in these conditions. It’s cold, we’ve got altitude, and not having had dinner probably didn’t help as well. But I want to take full responsibility, it’s not the standard I set myself.”
She went on to thank viewers for their messages of support: “I’m genuinely really sorry and I’m thanking everyone for those messages I’ve received as well. We have an amazing few days left here at the Winter Olympics, so hopefully we can turn our attention back to that.”
Back in the studio, Stefanovic quickly jumped in with reassurance: “I don’t even know what you’re talking about… you’re the best, Danika. Don’t worry about it.” Azzopardi added, “We know how hard you work — and we love you.”
The incident sparked a wave of online chatter, with many viewers brushing it off as a lighthearted misstep. Some even praised Mason for her honesty and professionalism in front of a live national audience.
Among those defending the reporter was Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, showing support for Danika during an appearance on Nova 100’s Jase & Lauren this morning.
“I did see it!” Albo said when the hosts brought up the clip. “I’m pro Danika! Good on her! She’s over in Italy… and she would have been tired. It’s the time difference, would have been having an impact.”
When host Jase Hawkins pointed out Mason was “celebrating”, the PM joked, “Nothing to see here!”
Danika remained upbeat and continued her coverage from the Alps later that morning
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Lead image: Nine / Getty
