Australian journalist Danika Mason has apologised during the Today show after she appeared to be struggling with her words during a Winter Olympics live cross from Italy this week.
On Thursday morning, the 34-year-old Nine sports reporter revealed she had been drinking alcohol the previous evening.
“And guys, just before we do go, I just want to take a moment if that’s okay, just to apologise,” she began on Today.
“I also wanted to say thank you for everyone who has reached out. I’m okay. Probably just a little bit embarrassed.
“Look, I totally misjudged a situation. I shouldn’t have had a drink. And 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 that I set for myself. So in saying that, I am genuinely sorry.”
Co-host Karl Stefanovic gave the reporter his support, saying, “I don’t even know what you’re talking about. You’re the best, Danika. Don’t worry about it. Let’s move on.”
Stefanovic infamously made a drunken appearance on the same show in 2009, after partying at the Logies – so would be familiar with Mason’s situation.
Danika Mason struggles during live cross on Today
On Wednesday morning, Mason was updating the show on Winter Olympic events when she began struggling with her words. It was 10pm local time.
“The price of coffee over here is actually fine… it’s actually the price of coffee in the US we have to get used to… I’m not sure about the iguanas? Where are we going with that one? Anyway, let’s get into today’s sport because there’s plenty happening back home…”
Stefanovic quickly deflected, “There is such a cold wind, you can’t actually move your lips.”
But the moment didn’t go unnoticed by viewers, resulting in much commentary on Nine’s social media pages.
Many found the situation funny, with one viewer writing, “Lol Karl, Sarah and Jane passing off Danika as being cold and it’s difficult to speak. Most entertaining sports news for the year so far!”
Another agreed, saying, “Danika’s sports reports this morning have literally made my day! Thanks Danni!”
Feature image: Danika Mason. Credit: Nine.