Australian TV presenter Karl Stefanovic posted a video of himself with UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson, promoting Robinson's upcoming appearance on Stefanovic's podcast. The clip showed them sharing a laugh and calling Keir Starmer a "wanker". Robinson has a criminal record and has been associated with nationalist demonstrations.
The association of a prominent Australian media personality with a controversial far-right figure raises questions about media influence and the normalization of extremist views in public discourse.
Australian television presenter Karl Stefanovic has shared a video on social media showing him embracing UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson, ahead of Robinson's appearance on Stefanovic's podcast. In the clip, posted Tuesday morning, Stefanovic and Robinson walk down a London street, with Robinson asking Stefanovic to complete the sentence "Keir Starmer is a..." to which Stefanovic replies "wanker," prompting laughter from both.
The post's caption described Robinson as "the ultimate disruptor" and announced him as the next guest on "The Karl Stefanovic Show." Stefanovic, a prominent Australian presenter known for anchoring major live news events and co-hosting the Today breakfast show, reportedly earns $2.8 million annually at Nine. His podcast, launched late last year after Nine approved it in exchange for a pay cut, has featured guests such as One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and former Liberal prime ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard.
Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has a history of nationalist demonstrations and a lengthy criminal record, including convictions for violence, public order offenses, and fraud. He has also been convicted for stalking journalists and contempt of court. Robinson was previously hosted by the Trump administration during a visit to the US. He was also recently detained and had his phones seized under counter-terrorism laws upon returning from Russia, where he met Elon Musk's father.
Earlier this month, graphic footage shared by Robinson on social media of a Sudanese refugee allegedly involved in a knife attack in Belfast led to riots. Anti-racist group Hope Not Hate described such incidents as trigger events seized upon by the far-right to blame "mass migration."
In a previous podcast interview on Monday, Stefanovic spoke with Ant Middleton, a former soldier who has spoken at Robinson's rallies. Middleton expressed views that British culture was being suppressed by "external cultures," leading to confusion, anger, and potential violence. He stated he "can understand the civil unrest situation" and that "people have had enough." Stefanovic responded by saying there were people he would "love to follow" for their ability to articulate such views, naming Robinson. Middleton warned of a "woke mind virus" and suggested Australia should learn from the UK's situation before it is "potentially too late."