Nine’s Stefanovic brothers offer ‘sincerest apologies’ for Uber rant about colleagues
Channel Nine hosts and brothers Peter and Karl Stefanovic have offered their “sincerest apologies” for a conversation an Uber driver allegedly overheard last week.
According to an article published in The Daily Telegraph, the brothers were overheard talking negatively about their co-workers Georgie Gardner, Mark Burrows and Richard Wilkins during a phone conversation which Peter Stefanovic put on speaker.
News outlets are speculating the conversation will appear in Seven West Media-owned New Idea this week, however the publication is claiming the article will be based on the Uber driver’s extraordinary memory, rather than an illegal recording.
“Pete and I were guilty of having a spray after a Sunday barbecue.
“The conversation was recorded. And we are so sorry. I was angry with myself at first that I could be so stupid. I’ll be taking cabs from now on.
“For the record. Georgie Gardner is killing it. She’s the best thing to happen to the show in years,” Karl Stefanovic said as reported by The Daily Telegraph.
Peter Stefanovic: “I did a silly thing and feel awful”
Peter Stefanovic added: “I did a silly thing and feel awful for any embarrassment I’ve brought to my colleagues, who I deeply respect.
“I have spoken directly to the people involved and have offered my sincerest apologies.
“I am now investing in a hands-free ear piece and I gave the driver a one-star rating – but only because you can’t give zero.”
A Nine spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph the duo’s apologies were accepted.
“Clearly it was schoolboy behaviour between brothers, but that’s no excuse.
“We appreciate their genuine apologies.”
An Uber spokesperson also told the publication: “Following receipt of the report, we immediately removed the driver’s access to the app so that we can properly investigate the complaint.
“The nature of this complaint is unacceptable to Uber and, if valid, would be a clear violation of our Community Guidelines.”
Abigail Dawson was Mumbrella's senior content journalist covering event content. She left Mumbrella to move into an agency role in 2020.
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Georgie Garner
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The Daily Telegraph
Disagree they have to apologise for having a private conversation that was ILLEGALLY recorded by their Uber driver.
Colleagues rant about colleagues all the time.
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I don’t think it was recorded, was it? But yes you’re right – the Uber driver should not have repeated (for profit) the content of a private conversation.
Having said that – and because I like getting splinters in my behind – what the hell were they thinking? Apparently Peter was sozzled, but even so … you’re in the media, you should know better than to have that kind of conversation in front of someone you don’t know!!
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No, not recorded according to that bastion of journalistic intergrity, New Idea (because, you know, that would be illegal *wink*wink*) but recounted due to the “Uber driver’s extraordinary memory”.
If Channel 9 had any balls they’d put this driver on the spot and film him recounting the conversation and we could see and gaze in wonderment at the “extraordinary memory” of this driver (not recording *wink*wink*)
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I love how both brothers say they will be taking cabs from now on, presumably because cab drivers are more respectful and professional? Or maybe it’s just because most cab drivers can’t speak English?
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Its definitely the fact that the cabbies are more professional . Slightly more so then Male TV hosts ….
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I like it how he only gave the Uber driver a 1 star rating … this is all the drivers fault after all! Thankfully Karl has dodged another bullet
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You sound like you work for Nine.
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As usual Karl hasn’t accepted responsibility for his actions. It’s the uber drivers fault, and he only feels bad because he got caught – not because he said something horrible about his co-host. Fair enough it was a private convo, but he’s out of line for having it in a public place regardless of the Uber drivers policy. Georgie is a public figure and she doesn’t deserve this either. Karl’s moral compass, ethics and respect has never been robust!
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