Olympics presenter issues apology for drinking and explains what happened after slurring on live TV
An Australian sports reporter has apologized for drinking before a slurred segment from the Winter Olympics.
Danika Mason, of Channel 9, is known for her reporting on the National Rugby League and appeared on the Today Show to report from the Olympics.
During the clip, Danika rambled about the price of coffee, the US, and iguanas, saying: "Literally like the price of coffee over here is actually fine, it's more the price of coffee in the US that we're gonna have to get used to. I'm not sure about the iguanas, where are we going with that one?"
Immediately afterwards, presenter Karl Stefanovic said: "Look the cold weather is a thing, right. You can't actually move your lips."
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Her appearance has drawn mixed reactions from viewers, with some enjoying the report while others were not impressed.
Some viewers found the segment amusing, with one writing on X: "Good on her, nothing wrong with this. You can tell she's having an absolute ball over there."
But another was furious at the clip, posting: "If it's not a health issue, she should be sacked on the spot - very unprofessional."
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese stood by her, saying he was 'pro-Danika' and suggesting she may have been jet lagged.
Now, Danika has taken the opportunity to apologize for drinking before her segment in a further appearance on the Today show.
"I want to take full responsibility, it's not the standard I set myself," she said after she had completed her reporting segment.
The reporter went on to thank people for their messages of concern for her, and said that she is 'ok, probably just a little embarrassed'.
She went on to explain that she should not have drank, and should have been more aware that the cold and the altitude would have made the effects of the alcohol stronger.
"Look, I totally misjudged the situation," she said, "I shouldn't have had a drink, especially in these conditions, it's cold, we've got altitude, and not having had dinner probably didn't help as well.
"But I want to take full responsibility, it's not the standard I set myself."
She went on to apologize unreservedly for the segment, adding: "So in saying that, I'm genuinely really sorry and I'm thanking everyone for those messages I've received as well."
Today show host Jayne Azzopardi reassured her afterwards, saying: "We know how hard you work, Danika."
Meanwhile, fellow host Karl Stefanovic called her a 'legend'.
Kit Roberts