Today Show host Karl Stefanovic has been sledged about an awkward incident from his past while discussing leaked texts slamming Scott Morrison.
Stefanovic asked Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie and 2GB radio host Chris Smith whether an anonymous federal minister who reportedly called Scott Morrison a “complete psycho” should out themselves.
Network 10 political editor Peter van Onselen revealed this week a cabinet minister had sent him an exchange with former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian that slammed the Prime Minister.
Stefanovic said he “needed to say” to whoever it was who sent the messages that “no matter how much you hate someone, it is a pretty low act”.
“Whoever did that is a complete and utter coward in not coming forward. I think that makes it even worse, bagging your work colleagues like that,” Stefanovic said.
In response, Smith asked what Stefanovic would have preferred, saying “to say something about people in the back of an Uber or something?”
While Stefanovic laughed it off, he looked uncomfortable at mention of what has become known as “Ubergate”.
In 2018, Stefanovic and his brother Peter – who at the time also worked at Nine – had a 45-minute conversation which was repoxjmtzywrtedly recorded by an Uber driver.
During the call, the brothers vented their frustrations about colleagues Richard Wilkins, Georgie Gardner, Mark Burrows and Nine bosses.
At the time, both brothers issued apologies, with Karl saying “we are sorry. I was angry with myself that I could be so stupid”.
Peter said at the time: “I did a silly thing and feel awful for any embarrassment I’ve brought to my (Channel 9) colleagues, who I deeply respect”.
Senator Lambie had used her segment on the show to call for Australia to “move on” from the text message scandal, chiding Stefanovic for getting caught up in the “playground level” saga.
“This is really, really embarrassing … (The government) are absolutely falling apart before we go into an election. Quite frankly, I don’t give a stuff who it is,” she said.
“I just wish they would start doing what needs to be done for the country.
“This is what we’re worried about? Who released the text message? Quite frankly, there are so much other big issues on the table.
“We are spending time, Karl, on this crap?”
When asked by Stefanovic if she knows who it is, Senator Lambie fired back.
“I wouldn’t have a clue mate. I don’t have time for that shit, I will be honest with you.
“Can we move on please, because there is a lot of other crap that needs to be fixed.”
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce had earlier called for the federal minister involved to “out themselves”, while Mr Morrison said he was “confident” the person behind the texts was not a member of his cabinet.
Van Onselen insists the minister at the centre of the scandal, who sent him the messages, is a serving cabinet minister.
