During a broadcast on Wednesday, Australian Olympic correspondent Danica Mason seemed intoxicated. She issued an apology on Thursday for her behavior.
Viewers noted her slurred speech while discussing various topics, including coffee prices in Australia versus the US, as well as recent Olympic events. Some wondered if the frigid temperature, which dipped to -8 degrees Celsius in Italy, might have played a role in her speech. Others, however, accurately suspected that she had been drinking too much.
“The coffee prices here are actually okay. Honestly, we need to get used to the prices in the US,” Mason, who is with Channel Nine, shared with hosts Karl Stefanovic and Jayne Azzopardi.
Mason later acknowledged her fault on Thursday, admitting that she had consumed alcohol prior to going live and that she mismanaged the situation.
She expressed, “I completely misjudged the situation. I shouldn’t have been drinking, especially given the circumstances.” She pointed out that the cold weather and high altitude, combined with not having dinner, might not have helped. Still, she emphasized, “I want to take full responsibility for this. It’s not the standard I expect from myself.”
“We’ve got some great days ahead here at the Winter Olympics, so let’s focus on that,” she added.
The incident stirred up a buzz on social media, prompting Channel Nine to disable comments on the related post.
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Mason’s apology was met with support from colleagues, suggesting her position wasn’t in jeopardy. Azzopardi remarked, “We know how hard you work, Danica.” Stefanovic reassured her, “You’re the best. Don’t worry. Move on. You’re a legend.”
Even Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese chimed in, expressing his support for Mason and suggesting there was “nothing to see here.”
In the meantime, Norway leads the Olympic medal tally, boasting 16 golds and a total of 34 medals. Italy ranks second in both categories, with the United States following in third. Australia has secured six medals, three of which are gold.
Nonetheless, Mason’s situation has ignited fresh discussions amid the bustling events of the Milan Olympics.
