Former "Today" show co-host Jessica Rowe has spoken about the "appalling" treatment she experienced at Nine following her departure from the program, detailing intense emotional distress and pressure from the network. Rowe, who co-hosted the morning show with Karl Stefanovic in 2006, described her exit as one of the most painful periods of her life. She appeared on Kate Langbroek's "No Filter" podcast to discuss being replaced while on maternity leave after the birth of her daughter.
Rowe recounted meetings with her lawyer while breastfeeding and feeling lost about her career. "I remember lying on my front lawn in tears, just thinking, 'What is going on?'" she said, describing the months surrounding her departure as deeply traumatic. She recalled facing a relentless public campaign of criticism, with media comparisons and labels such as "television's most annoying person." Rowe also alleged a lack of support from within the network, including a boss who suggested she stop laughing because of complaints.
"I made the mistake of listening to him, so I stopped laughing for a time," Rowe stated, adding that she later learned the lesson to "never ever listen to anyone telling me to be less than who I am."
She further alleged that there was a suggestion to issue a press release stating she had voluntarily stepped away due to the demands of motherhood, a narrative she refused to adopt as it was untrue. Describing the handling of her departure as "appalling," Rowe admitted she did not pursue legal action due to a lack of emotional energy to fight.
Despite the difficult memories, Rowe acknowledged Stefanovic's apology offered during an emotional episode of her "Big Talk" podcast in 2021. She described his apology as "incredible" and a crucial step, marking the first time they had spoken publicly about their fractured working relationship. Rowe praised Stefanovic's courage in acknowledging his role and responsibility in her difficult period.
Stefanovic himself admitted at the time that he "wasn't the man I should have been. I wasn't the co-host I should have been." Rowe has since rebuilt her career through advocacy, podcasting, and television, finding that the experience ultimately taught her to "chase joy."
Rowe's comments come as Stefanovic faces scrutiny over his own career choices, including stepping back from several media commitments amid controversy surrounding a political podcast. Her reflections on her "Today" show exit add another layer to the ongoing discussions about media treatment and professional experiences within the network.