Danika Mason, a leading reporter for the Australian Channel Nine network, has officially apologized for her controversial live broadcast during coverage of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The journalist, visibly under the influence of alcohol, slurred her words and discussed topics unrelated to the sporting events, including coffee prices and iguanas. Her behavior sparked a wave of commentary, prompting a response even from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who downplayed the incident.

Drunken Live Broadcast

Reporter Danika Mason slurred her words and talked about iguanas during coverage of the Winter Olympic Games in Livigno.

Journalist's Public Apology

The journalist admitted to a mistake and cited low temperature and altitude as factors that amplified the effects of alcohol.

Australian Prime Minister's Reaction

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended Mason, suggesting that jet lag may have influenced her behavior.

Well-known Australian sports journalist Danika Mason became the center of an international scandal after appearing under the influence of alcohol during a broadcast from the XXV Winter Olympic Games. The incident occurred in the town of Livigno, where the reporter was conducting a live segment for Channel Nine's morning program "Today." Viewers observed Mason slurring her words, struggling to stay on topic, and making nonsensical statements about coffee prices and iguanas. At one point, the journalist even performed a "snow angel" on the snow. The recording of her performance almost instantly went viral on social media, eliciting extreme reactions—from amusement to harsh criticism of her professionalism. Media history is full of cases of live broadcast blunders, but Olympic coverage, due to its global reach, is particularly vulnerable to harsh judgment from the public and journalistic ethics committees.The day after the unfortunate broadcast, Mason reappeared on air, this time in a composed and professional manner, to offer a public apology. She explained that she had completely misjudged the situation by deciding to consume alcohol before work. As mitigating factors, she cited the low temperatures in the Alps, the high altitude, and the fact she had not eaten dinner earlier. <cytat autor=

Mentioned People

  • Danika Mason — Australian sports journalist for Channel Nine, who appeared on television under the influence of alcohol.
  • Anthony Albanese — Prime Minister of Australia, who publicly defended the journalist after her unfortunate broadcast.