How one detail in backlash after Karl Stefanovic's infamous 'Ubergate' scandal foreshadowed his dramatic downfall at Nine eight years later

's career has weathered countless controversies over the years.

But one scandal from 2018 now appears remarkably prophetic following his shock departure from Channel Nine.

Long before the veteran broadcaster parted ways with the network over the fallout surrounding his podcast interview with British far-right figure , Karl had already acknowledged there was one thing that could ultimately cost him his job.

The warning came after the infamous 'Ubergate' saga, when a private conversation between Karl, his brother Peter Stefanovic and Peter's wife was secretly recorded by an driver and splashed across magazine headlines.

The recording allegedly captured Karl making unflattering remarks about several of his Today colleagues, including then co-host , entertainment editor and Nine management.

The leaked conversation triggered a media frenzy and forced both Karl and Peter to publicly apologise.

'Pete and I were guilty of having a spray after a Sunday BBQ,' Karl said in a statement at the time.

'We talk a hundred times a day and hardly ever about work. Mainly about his terrible golf. But we did and the conversation was recorded. And we are sorry.'

He also sought to set the record straight about Gardner.

'For the record Georgie Gardner is killing it as well. She's the best thing to happen to the show in years. She's hungry, she's working hard and making the show better every day. I love working with her.'

Ending on a lighter note, Karl joked: 'P.S. I'll be taking cabs from now on.'

Months later, reflecting on the controversy during an appearance on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, Karl admitted he accepted responsibility for the fallout.

'Whatever comes out of my mouth I'm responsible for, and if that brings the company into disrepute, that's on me. I accept full responsibility,' he said.

It was during that same interview that radio star Kyle Sandilands offered advice that now appears strikingly relevant.

Karl recalled calling his longtime friend as the scandal unfolded.

'I said, "Mate, this is just a bad place I'm in right now, a lot of other stuff's going on too",' Karl said.

According to Karl, Kyle's response was simple.

'Mate, I don't think it's a big deal. You have to say sorry… but when you're losing advertisers, that's when you've gotta worry.'

Eight years later, those words have taken on new significance.

Last week, Karl's exit from Nine came after intense scrutiny over his podcast interview with Tommy Robinson.

The controversy prompted online activist group Mad F***ing Witches to launch a campaign calling on viewers to boycott the presenter, while also encouraging advertisers to reconsider their support.

The activist group had previously targeted The Kyle and Jackie O Show, successfully lobbying advertisers to distance themselves from the program over comments made by Sandilands.