An Australian television reporter covering the 2026 Winter Olympics at Milan-Cortina has apologized after appearing to slur her words during a live broadcast from Livigno on Wednesday.
Danika Mason was reporting for Channel Nine’s “Today” show on Wednesday when viewers noticed she stumbled over her delivery and went off topic. During the segment, she referenced “iguanas” while discussing coffee prices.
“Literally like the price of coffee over here is actually fine,” Mason said. “It’s more the price of coffee in the U.S. that we’re gonna have to get used to.
“I’m not sure about the iguanas. Where are we going with that one?”
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Studio host Karl Stefanovic attempted to deflect attention from the moment, telling viewers that cold weather can sometimes affect speech in an attempt to salvage the situation.
“Look, the cold weather is a thing, right?” Stevanovic said. “You can’t actually move your lips.”
Mason, however, continued the segment, including sharing an update on American skier Lindsey Vonn, but her delivery remained slurred.
On Thursday, Mason addressed the incident during a live broadcast and acknowledged that she had consumed alcohol before appearing on camera.
“Look, I totally misjudged the situation. I shouldn’t have had a drink, especially in these conditions,” Mason said. “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.”
@news.com.au Danika Mason has apologised live on TV after slurring her words in a trainwreck live cross from the Winter Olympics, admitting that she was affected by drinking, altitude, and the cold. Credit 🎥 TODAY – Nine #WinterOlympics #MilanoCortina2026
Added Mason: “So in saying that, I’m genuinely really sorry and I’m thanking everyone for those messages I’ve received as well.”
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended Mason during an appearance on the Melbourne radio show “Jase & Lauren.”
“I’m pro Danika. Good on her,” Albanese said. “She’s over in Italy… and she would have been tired. It’s the time difference. It would have been having an impact.”
Channel Nine has not released a statement about the broadcast or any disciplinary action.
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