Danika Mason Apologizes After Slurred Live Olympic Cross
Danika Mason said she "totally misjudged" drinking before her Feb. 18 live Olympics appearance and apologized on a Thursday broadcast, blaming cold, altitude and not eating.
Overview
Danika Mason issued a live on-air apology on Thursday, taking full responsibility for slurring during an earlier Olympics cross.
She said she "totally misjudged" having alcohol before her Wednesday, Feb. 18 appearance and blamed the cold, altitude and not having had dinner for contributing to her performance.
Studio co-hosts responded on air with support, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was "pro-Danika" and suggested she had been affected by jet lag.
The clip showed her veering off-topic, mentioning iguanas and the price of coffee and mixing up the U.K. and the U.S., and it went viral online, according to reports.
Mason said she was embarrassed, thanked viewers for messages and said she would take responsibility and uphold the standards she sets for herself.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this account neutrally, focusing on verifiable details and the reporter’s apology. They report observable behavior ("slurring her words," "appearing to be drunk"), include the subject's explanation (altitude, cold, no dinner) and her live apology, and avoid loaded editorial condemnation or sensational speculation.
Sources (3)
FAQ
During her February 18 live cross from the Winter Olympics in Italy, Nine Sports Presenter Danika Mason stumbled over her words repeatedly, veering off-topic to mention iguanas and the price of coffee, and mixing up references to the U.K. and the U.S.[1][2] The footage went viral online, with Sky News host Chris Kenny describing her as "a bit tired and emotional."[2]
Mason issued a live on-air apology on Thursday, stating she "totally misjudged" drinking alcohol before her Wednesday broadcast and taking full responsibility for her performance.[1] She blamed contributing factors including the cold, altitude, and not having eaten dinner, and expressed embarrassment while thanking viewers for their supportive messages.[1]
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed support, saying he was "pro-Danika" and suggested she had been affected by jet lag.[1] Her studio co-hosts also responded on air with support during her Thursday apology broadcast.[1]
Mason was reporting from Italy during the Winter Olympics, where it was approximately 10 p.m. local time when she crossed to Australian breakfast television in the morning.[2] This significant time difference, combined with jet lag, altitude, and the cold conditions, contributed to the physical and mental strain she experienced during the live broadcast.[2]
History
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