Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
An absent Karl Stefanovic was an easy target for Robert Irwin at the Logie Awards on Sunday night, but the once-beloved TV personality does not appear to have taken any offence by the public “far-right” jab directed his way.
Stefanovic had been a regular at the Australian television awards for two decades, missing this year after being dropped by the Nine network in June.
His axing came after the long-time TV presenter welcomed far-right UK activist and outspoken anti-immigration figure Tommy Robinson onto his independent podcast.
With Irwin taking the reins as Logies host for the first time, and the youngest ever at 22, the star grouped Stefanovic in with another conservative figure, Dave Hughes, as he addressed attendees during his monologue.
“Speaking of beloved shows, apparently I hear Channel 10 is developing a reboot of Hughesy, We Have A Problem. I think it’s called ‘No, Seriously, Hughesy, We Have A Problem,’ Irwin said, before seguing to the former Nine host.
“Unfortunately Karl Stefanovic didn’t RSVP tonight,” he continued.
“But we saved him a spare seat. It’s over there to the right . . . the far-right.”
Speaking in vision released by New Idea earlier this week, Stefanovic claimed to have tuned out of the awards this year, saving himself the headache of a hangover after what has typically been a boozy night for the Logies stalwart.
“You know, I didn’t watch the Logies,” Stefanovic said.
“I had the most beautiful night’s sleep, and I woke up fresh on a Monday morning after the Logies for the first time in 20 years.”
He laughed off Irwin’s comments, comparing the animal conservationist to a fabled children’s character.
“Can’t be cranky with Robert Irwin. It would be like being cranky with Bambi,” he quipped.
Sam Pang took home the 2026 Gold Logie — a feat Stefanovic had earlier achieved in 2011.
The exiled presenter has been joined by several controversial figures on his podcast since departing TV in recent months, including One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, long-time media personality Kyle Sandilands, and UK TV presenter Piers Morgan.
The 21-year Today Show host had planned to exit the network at the end of this year, but the decision was brought forward in late June after his independent political views began to make headlines.
“Nine Entertainment and Karl Stefanovic have agreed that it is no longer possible for him to continue hosting Today at the same time as his independent podcast,” a Nine statement read.
“While Karl and Nine had previously agreed he would leave Today at the end of this year, they have subsequently decided he will leave the Network immediately.”
