Australian television host Karl Stefanovic has divided public opinion after featuring British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, on his new podcast, "The Karl Stefanovic Show." Stefanovic announced the interview on Tuesday, referring to Robinson as the "ultimate disruptor" and someone many consider a "voice for the people." The announcement was accompanied by a video of Stefanovic and Robinson walking together.
During a brief exchange in the video, Stefanovic humorously completed Robinson's sentence about British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with an expletive. The interview, which is 55 minutes long, was published on The Karl Stefanovic Show's YouTube page on Tuesday afternoon.
Reactions on social media were sharply divided. Many criticized Stefanovic for providing a platform to Robinson, citing his past convictions, which include fraud, violence, and contempt of court. "Platforming Tommy Robinson is a terrible choice," one commenter wrote, while another stated, "So a convicted fraudster and violent man who has been to jail. What a choice. You really have gone full cooker."
Conversely, a significant number of users expressed support for Stefanovic's decision. Supporters lauded him for interviewing Robinson, with one user asserting that Robinson "has more integrity than the whole of the Labour and Tory parties combined." Another commenter called it "an incredible guest to get" and thanked Stefanovic for doing "what legacy media refuses to do."
In the interview, Robinson described himself as a "figure of hate" who believes he is articulating concerns for those who are afraid to speak out. He asserted that he presents "facts, not opinions," and suggested that Australians might share his views on issues such as immigration and Islam. Robinson also expressed admiration for Australian politician Pauline Hanson, calling her "one of the only people who spoke up for me from that side of the world."
Robinson, who has been active in right-wing circles for nearly a decade, predicted a "cultural revolution" in the United Kingdom, with the right-wing gaining power within three years. He stated his intention to "re-energise" working-class communities and foster a sense of belonging.
Stefanovic, a prominent Australian media personality, launched his podcast in January and has previously interviewed various right-wing figures, including Pauline Hanson, Barnaby Joyce, Sean Bell, former Prime Ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard, and Coalition politicians Alex Antic, Matt Canavan, and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.