Jasmine Stefanovic, wife of Australian TV host Karl Stefanovic, has publicly reached out to Sarah Abo for a second time following reports that Karl felt "betrayed" by his former co-host. The gestures come as Abo announced her unexpected early departure from the Nine Network's "Today" show due to health issues.
Abo shared on Instagram on Wednesday that she would not be returning to the "Today" show for a final farewell before welcoming her first child, citing recent hospitalizations for high blood pressure. "Sending love to you and bubba beautiful Sarah," Jasmine commented on Abo's post, including two heart emojis.
This is not the first time Jasmine has extended public support to Abo. Earlier this month, she commented on photos of Abo's baby shower, writing "Beautiful" with two heart emojis.
These instances follow reports from Daily Mail suggesting that Karl Stefanovic's recent ousting from Nine was perceived as a "slap in the face" to Abo, his long-time colleague. Stefanovic left the network in June after an interview with far-right commentator Tommy Robinson was uploaded and subsequently deleted from his independent podcast. The Sydney Morning Herald, owned by Nine Entertainment, indicated the decision was partly aimed at "defus[ing] a major advertiser boycott."
Robinson, who has multiple criminal convictions, was previously jailed for breaching a court order related to defamation claims by a Syrian refugee. The report highlighted the contrast between Robinson's views on Islam and immigration and Abo's personal history as a first-generation immigrant from Syria.
Sources describe Abo's situation with Stefanovic as "very awkward" and, at worst, a "betrayal." The strain of the saga was visible when Abo tearfully addressed his exit live on air. She had been chosen to co-host the "Today" desk with Stefanovic in 2022, a role where she was expected to provide a stable influence. Despite a significant pay disparity, with Stefanovic reportedly earning considerably more, Abo maintained a professional and reportedly friendly relationship with him, even attending his wife Jasmine's 40th birthday celebration in 2024.
TV insiders suggest that Abo's loyalty to Stefanovic, particularly given her background and recent fertility struggles, made the situation particularly difficult. "They trusted each other," one source commented, adding that Stefanovic's decision to platform controversial figures felt like a "slap in the face to Sarah, their friendship."