Olympics presenter issues statement after slurring her words on live TV
Olympics presenter Danika Mason has released a statement apologising after a clip of her slurring her words during a report went viral online.
On Wednesday, concerns were raised online about the wellbeing of Channel 9 reporter Mason - one of Australia's most notable journalists - following her report live from the Winter Olympics.
As she spoke with her colleagues from the -8 degrees weather in Livingo, Mason could be heard slurring her words as she discussed iguanas and the price of coffee and the latest sports news.
Many viewers suggested that the brutal cold weather may have impacted her speech, while others claimed she may have been drinking before appearing on air.
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But now, Mason has spoken out to apologise for the report, admitting that she had been drinking beforehand, but adding that other factors had played a role in impacting her speech.
Shortly after the clip went viral online, many viewers praised Mason for having a good time while covering the Olympics, but others believed it to be unprofessional.
Even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke out on the report, stating that he was "pro-Danika" and arguing that her slurred speech was likely due to jet lag, adding that there was "nothing to see here".
Despite this, Mason felt the need to speak out following her latest report on the Today show on Thursday morning.
After she delivered her report on the sports, she addressed viewers directly, admitting that she needed to take a moment to apologise, while confessing she had been drinking before appearing on air.
Thanking viewers for messages of concern, she said: "I'm OK, probably just a little embarrassed.
"Look, I totally misjudged the situation, 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.
"So in saying that, I'm genuinely really sorry and I'm thanking everyone for those messages I've received as well."
Immediately after her apology, Today show host Jayne Azzopardi responded replied 'we know how hard you work, Danika' while studio host Karl Stefanovic called his colleague a 'legend'.
And it appears that social media echo these feelings, as fans praised Mason for owning up to the mistake, with many saying it wasn't even necessary.
Reacting to her apology, one fan wrote; "Honestly, the Danika Mason thing is the biggest non-story. Good on you, Danika, enjoy the games!
Another added: "I’m guessing Danika Mason felt embarrassed, because I don’t know who the f*** she needs to say sorry to."
While one joked: "Whatever Danika Mason was on, I'll have 7!"
Ben McCrum