Sarah Abo is reportedly finding herself at the centre of an uncomfortable personal and professional situation following Karl Stefanovic’s high-profile departure from Nine.
While the pair developed a close friendship during their years co-hosting Today, new reports suggest Karl’s recent comments surrounding immigration have created an unexpected strain after his controversial podcast interview with British activist Tommy Robinson.
A Friendship Built Over Years at Today
During their time together on breakfast television, Sarah Abo and Karl Stefanovic became one of the network’s most recognisable on-air partnerships.
Behind the cameras, colleagues have long described the pair as genuine friends who supported one another through both professional challenges and personal milestones.
According to reports, Karl stood beside Sarah during her difficult fertility journey and pregnancy losses, while she remained one of his most trusted confidantes throughout their years working together.
Reports Claim Karl’s Podcast Has Left Sarah Deeply Disappointed
Following Stefanovic’s interview with Tommy Robinson on The Karl Stefanovic Show, insiders claim Sarah was left deeply unsettled by the direction her former co-host chose to take.
The podcast, which was briefly published before being removed, generated widespread criticism and ultimately preceded Karl’s exit from Nine.
Sources quoted in media reports suggest Sarah found the situation particularly difficult given her own background as a first-generation Australian whose family migrated from Syria when she was a young child.
According to those reports, the controversy has created an uncomfortable contrast with the close friendship the pair had built over several years on Today.
Karl Defends the Interview
Despite the backlash, Stefanovic has maintained that he believed interviewing Tommy Robinson was editorially justified.
Speaking during a later episode of The Karl Stefanovic Show alongside British broadcaster Piers Morgan, Karl explained that he viewed Robinson as a significant figure in ongoing political debates in the United Kingdom.
He said the interview formed part of broader coverage examining British politics and insisted he believed it was a legitimate journalistic discussion.
Stefanovic also reiterated his support for freedom of speech, arguing that audiences should be able to hear different perspectives, even when they are controversial.
Piers Morgan Questions Nine’s Decision
During the conversation, Piers Morgan openly criticised Nine’s decision to part ways with Stefanovic.
Morgan suggested dismissing a veteran broadcaster over a single interview was an excessive response and encouraged Karl to embrace the opportunities offered by independent media.
The interview itself had reportedly been arranged before Stefanovic’s departure from Nine, but ultimately became one of his first major public appearances after leaving the network.
A New Era for Today
Since Karl’s exit, Sarah Abo has continued hosting Today alongside Tom Steinfort, as the breakfast program enters a new phase.
While neither Sarah nor Karl has publicly commented on the reported impact of the controversy on their friendship, industry observers continue to speculate about how recent events may have reshaped one of Australian television’s closest on-screen partnerships.
As Stefanovic builds his independent podcast career and Sarah prepares to begin maternity leave, both broadcasters appear to be embarking on very different personal and professional journeys.
