A chaotic live cross from the Winter Olympics has thrust Today sports presenter Danika Mason into a storm of speculation, with widespread suggestions she may have been intoxicated on air.
Broadcast from freezing alpine conditions, the sports segment during yesterday morning’s show quickly veered from sport into confused chatter, prompting concern from viewers and frantic commentary online.
What followed this morning was a rare on-air mea culpa aimed at drawing a line under the moment.
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During the cross from Livigno in northern Italy, Mason appeared to lose her train of thought several times, stumbling over words while discussing the cold, the altitude and even coffee prices before attempting to steer back to sport.
At one point, host Karl Stefanovic joked she resembled a “frozen iguana”, a quip that only added to the surreal tone as she struggled to regain momentum.
The situation quickly snowballed on social media, with viewers speculating about her wellbeing and questioning why the segment continued to air.
Producers did not immediately cut away, and Stefanovic attempted to lighten the moment with humour, attributing her difficulties to the brutal cold and high altitude.
The sports journalist was appointed to the Today sports presenter role in late February last year following the departure of Alex Cullen, now finding herself at the centre of scrutiny after a chaotic Olympic cross sparked widespread speculation (image – Instagram / danika.masonn)
Appearing on Today this morning, Mason apologised for the mishap and explained she had misjudged conditions after having a drink on an empty stomach in extreme weather.
“I’m embarrassed and I take full responsibility,” she told viewers, acknowledging the crosses did not meet her usual professional standards.
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Her colleagues offered support on air, emphasising her long record at the network and the challenges of reporting live from sub zero environments during a major international event.
The incident has also revived memories of past Today controversies, including the dismissal of former sports presenter Alex Cullen last year after he accepted billionaire Adrian Portelli’s on-air challenge to call him “McLaren Man”, with Portelli later paying him and posting proof online.
It also joins the program’s long list of unscripted moments, from awkward satellite delays to Karl Stefanovic’s famously bleary post Logies appearance years ago, reminders that breakfast television is rarely as controlled as it looks.
Nine has not issued a formal statement, with Mason’s on-air apology appearing to close the matter for now as Olympic coverage continues from Italy.
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