Speculation arose online regarding Tommy Robinson's behavior during a recent interview with Australian television presenter Karl Stefanovic, with viewers suggesting he may have been under the influence of drugs. The interview, which focused on topics including Islam, immigration, and Australian politics, was initially published on Stefanovic's podcast and YouTube channel but was later removed after widespread backlash.
Clips from the interview circulated online, with many users noting that Robinson appeared agitated and frequently sniffled. Comments on social media platforms included accusations of drug use, with phrases like "Tommy on the gear," "How many lines has he had," and "Colombian flu." Some users posted snowflake emojis, a known online shorthand for cocaine use. IMAGE3
Robinson's past has been marked by a lengthy criminal record, including convictions for violence, public order offenses, contempt of court, stalking, and fraud. An investigation by the Searchlight website last year raised questions about whether his behavior during controversial incidents may have been fueled by cocaine, citing past examples of agitated and seemingly "artificially energised" behavior. A leaked video from 2019 purportedly showed Robinson boasting about his ability to obtain drugs in various countries.
Robinson's own legal team has previously acknowledged his history of drug use in open court. During a 2025 High Court challenge regarding his prison conditions, his barrister stated that Robinson risked returning to substance abuse as a coping mechanism for deteriorating mental health upon release. This disclosure was a rare admission from his counsel that he had been a habitual drug user. IMAGE4
In a 2021 podcast interview, Robinson spoke about his "benders" and admitted to "sniffing," stating, "I was, yeah, I was, if I go on a bender." He described his drinking as a form of self-harm, an attempt to escape reality.
Karl Stefanovic departed Nine, his employer of approximately 25 years, with immediate effect on Friday, following two days of crisis talks. The decision is reportedly linked to the fallout from the controversial interview and was made in part to "defuse a major advertiser boycott." Stefanovic had six months and over $1 million left on his contract, and sources suggest he is seeking a full payout. IMAGE5
Nine stated that Stefanovic's podcast was an independent production with no affiliation to the network, but that they were treating the matter seriously. Meanwhile, Australian politician Pauline Hanson defended Stefanovic, uploading the removed interview to her own YouTube channel and accusing Nine of attempting to sack him. Hanson asserted that Stefanovic was raising important issues about immigration and extremism for Australians to confront, drawing parallels to the situation in the UK.