An Australian sports reporter apologized after acknowledging she had consumed alcohol before delivering a live broadcast from the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, in an incident that quickly drew international attention.
Danika Mason appeared Wednesday on a morning program while reporting from the Italian Alps. During the segment, she spoke unclearly and veered off topic, shifting from updates on the Games to unrelated remarks about coffee prices in Italy and iguanas in the United States. The exchange left studio anchors visibly confused, and clips of the broadcast spread widely on social media.
At the time, anchor Karl Stefanovic attempted to downplay the situation, telling viewers that speaking in extreme cold conditions can be challenging.
Mason returned to the program the following day and issued a public apology. She said she was embarrassed and had misjudged the situation, acknowledging that she should not have consumed alcohol, particularly under the circumstances. She cited the cold weather, high altitude and the fact that she had not eaten dinner as contributing factors, but said she took full responsibility and described the episode as falling short of the standards she sets for herself. She also thanked viewers who sent messages of support and expressed hope that attention would return to the athletic competitions, noting that many days of Olympic events remain.
Studio hosts voiced support for Mason, praising her work ethic and encouraging her to move forward.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also commented on the incident, expressing support for the reporter and suggesting that fatigue and time differences may have played a role.