Showbiz

Stefanovic Yanks Controversial Interview After Backlash

Karl Stefanovic's divisive interview with British far-right activist and commentator Tommy Robinson has mysteriously vanished. The episode - in which Stefanovic...

Stefanovic Yanks Controversial Interview After Backlash
BN

Bintano News

Advertisement

's divisive interview with British far-right activist and commentator has mysteriously vanished. 

The episode - in which Stefanovic and Robinson discuss Islam, immigration and Australian politics - was removed from , Apple Podcasts and the Karl Stefanovic Show  channel on Wednesday morning - less than 12 hours after it was uploaded. 

The breakfast show host, 51, had posted a video of the pair on Tuesday, saying Robinson, 43, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is the 'ultimate disruptor'.  

Advertisement

'Tonight. 5PM. In a historical change, is out,' he wrote in the wake of Keir Starmer's resignation on Monday.

'We speak to Tommy Robinson. The guy you've all been asking for. The ultimate disruptor. Many say, a voice for the people. This is a wild chat you can't miss.'

In the clip, Stefanovic put his arm around Robinson as they walked along a street.

Advertisement

Karl Stefanovic, 51, (left) has divided fans after he invited British far-right activist and campaigner Tommy Robinson, 43, (right) onto his new podcast for an interview

'Can I ask you a question?' the English Defence League founder said, prompting Stefanovic to fill in the blank.

'W***er,' Stefanovic finished, with the pair laughing at the joke. 

Aussies were left divided in the comments, with many slamming Stefanovic for inviting Robinson, a convicted criminal, on the Karl Stefanovic Show. 

Advertisement

'Karl, platforming Tommy Robinson is a terrible choice,' one person wrote.

'So a convicted fraudster and violent man who has been to jail. What a choice. You really have gone full cooker,' another commented.

'Wow, you've really hit an all time low. I can't believe I used to respect you,' a third noted.

'And you put your arms around the grub. You're f***ed, mate. I hope you get the violent country you want. I hope your children enjoy it!' 

Advertisement

Meanwhile, other fans came forward to express their support for Stefanovic. 

Join the discussion

Should controversial figures be given platforms if it risks spreading harmful ideas or silencing debate?

What's your view?

The breakfast show host, 51, posted a video of the pair on Tuesday, saying Robinson whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is the 'ultimate disruptor'

Advertisement

Aussies were left divided in the comments, with many slamming Stefanovic for inviting Robinson, a convicted criminal, on The Karl Stefanovic Show, while others supported him

'So awesome to see you interviewing Tommy Robinson,' wrote one user. 

'Tommy has more integrity than the whole of the Labour and Tory parties combined. Go and watch The Rape of Britain, it will disgust you and rightly so,' another said. 

'Karl, this is an incredible guest to get, thankyou for doing what legacy media refuses to do. This is HUGE!' commented another.

'I'm keen to watch this,' someone else wrote.

In the 55-minute interview, posted to The Karl Stefanovic Show YouTube page on Tuesday afternoon, Robinson he said he has been made a 'figure of hate' and believes he is speaking up for those who fear doing the same. 

'I haven't been investigated to do with racism and hate, and here I am invisible because you put me on the level with someone who murdered 5000 people in one day, because I use speech you don't agree with, my free speech,' he said. 

'I say facts, not opinions, facts. 

'If you are sitting in Australia, you may share my views. You may be concerned about immigration. You may be concerned about Islam, but I'm pretty sure you know what happens when you open your mouth,' he continued. 

The 55-minute interview was posted to The Karl Stefanovic Show YouTube page on Tuesday afternoon (pictured) 

Robinson he said he has been made a 'figure of hate' and believes he is speaking up for those who fear doing the same

'You're probably sitting at a good job and you have lots of bills and a decent family. You have a good life. Well, that was me.'

Elsewhere in the chat, Robinson said he 'loves' One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and is grateful for her support. 

'She spoke up for me. She's literally one of the only people who spoke up for me from that side of the world,' he said. 

'Looking at her rise, do you know how happy I am for her? She's been through what I went through. 

'She's been condemned, attacked, battered, called every name under the sun. It's not easy. For a woman, the amount of horrible, disgusting things said about her.'

Robinson believes there is a 'cultural revolution' underway in the UK and that the right-wing will take power within the next three years. 

'I want to go into the roughest areas of Britain, the working class communities. Captivate them, re-energise them and make them believe they matter and that will cause a f***ing earthquake,' he said. 

Robinson told Stefanovic that he 'loves' Pauline Hanson (pictured) and is grateful for her support

.

His convictions include violence, public order offences, contempt of court, stalking and harassing journalists, as well as financial and immigration fraud. 

Stefanovic, one of Australia's most famous television presenters, has taken to interviewing right-wing personalities on his podcast, which he launched in January. 

He has welcomed the likes of Pauline Hanson, and others from the party such as Barnaby Joyce and Sean Bell, onto the show.

Other right-wing guests include former Liberal prime ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard, and Coalition figures Alex Antic, Matt Canavan and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.

Advertisement

Recommended Content

Advertisement