Shock detail as Karl Stefanovic departs Today show after controversial podcast

Karl Stefanovic is leaving the Today show, putting an end to the star’s plan to cut ties with the Nine Network.

Stefanovic’s multimillion-dollar contract was due to expire in December 2026, with Nine Entertainment revealing on Friday he had “previously agreed he would leave Today at the end of this year”.

Instead, Stefanovic and Nine “decided he will leave the Network immediately”, following his controversial interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson on his independent podcast.

A Nine Entertainment spokesman confirmed Stefanovic’s immediate departure.

“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,” the 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.”

‘I’m free’: Karl breaks silence

Stefanovic has broken his silence after his departure from the Today show, declaring he is “free” from Nine – but confessed he has no idea what he’s doing next.

“I’m free, truly independent” the former morning show host said in a statement on YouTube.

Stefanovic thanked his viewers for “riding the ups and downs” throughout his journey with the Today show.

In his statement, Stefanovic said his podcast aimed to give a microphone to “people who have different perspectives”.

“I know that winds some people up,” he said.

“Sometimes I agree with everything a guest says, sometimes I don’t.”

He said listeners were “smart enough to make up their own mind”.

“Freedom of speech here and around the world is what this show is about. You don’t have to listen to my show,” he said.

He said he wasn’t sure what his next move would be.

“Honestly, I don’t know what I’m going to do,” he said.

“But I’ll figure it out.”

Karl Stefanovic has broken his silence after departing the Today show after 21 years, following his controversial podcast episode with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

Albo quizzed about Karl’s departure

Speaking to the ABC, Anthony Albanese said it was “unfortunate” that Stefanovic’s career with Nine ended the way it did.

When asked if it was the right decision, the Prime Minster said: “It’s a matter of course for Channel 9, but words do matter, and what people who are very prominent in our public discourse do, and how they conduct themselves matters as well”.

“So, this is, of course, a matter for nine, and it’s unfortunate the way that what has been a very big career has ended in this way, but that’s a matter for Karl Stefanovic to think about his, his actions and the decisions that he’s made, and Nine have made a consequential decision,” he said.

Today co-host reacts

The stars of Today were emotional when confirming the news on Friday.

Co-host Sarah Abo said there had been “a lot of speculation about Karl’s future with the show”.

“We wanted to inform you that Karl will not be returning to the Today show or tonight,” she said.

“Here’s our mate and he’s our colleague. And it goes without saying that Karl’s presence will be missed. Two decades is a long time.”

Abo was emotional when breaking the news, holding back tears as she explained what he would be doing next.

“Karl has, of course, woken up with Today for 21 years,” she said.

“So we know this is a huge change for our viewers.”

She said Stefanovic would focus on “other projects”, and said there were “a lot of emotions” about his departure.

“We’ve spoken to a lot of people over the past few days who have varying emotions,” she said.

“They’re upset, they’re angry, they’re sad that this is all happening.

“And we all wish that it wasn’t ending like this.”

Entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins said he and Karl “have been brothers in arms”.

“I’ll miss him very much daily, but we’ll retain our friendship,” he said.

Controversial podcast

Stefanovic landed himself in hot water this week after his controversial podcast interview with Robinson.

In the promotion for the episode, Stefanovic put his arm around Robinson and told him he admired his “tenacity” in “trying to stand up for what you believe is right”.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been convicted of assault, drug possession, mortgage fraud, and contempt of court, and he was also given a five-year stalking order for harassing a journalist,

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Channel 9 executives held “crisis meetings” at their Sydney headquarters after the interview.

The episode was scrubbed from the internet less than 12 hours after it aired, with Nine distancing itself from the podcast.

“The Karl Stefanovic Show is a completely independent production. Nine has no involvement, including in the guest selection and other editorial processes,” a statement read.

“However, Nine is taking this matter seriously.”

More to come