Karl Stefanovic has publicly endorsed Natalie Barr, host of Channel Seven's Sunrise, for a nomination in the 2026 Logie Awards. Stefanovic, a nominee himself for the Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter, stated that Barr "is brilliant" and "deserves to be in that company."
Stefanovic's endorsement comes in the wake of remarks made by radio host Kyle Sandilands about Barr. Sandilands, during his show "Kyle Sandilands Live," made a crude comment about Barr's physical appearance following a tense interview the week prior.
During the interview, Barr had questioned Sandilands about whether he would be comfortable with his three-year-old son listening to his radio show in the future, given its history of controversial comments. Barr pressed Sandilands on whether he had any genuine regrets about past remarks concerning women, disability, the Holocaust, and the broadcasting of private conversations.
Sandilands responded by stating that while some comments were genuinely mistakes or "stupid things that I've said," others were perceived negatively or twisted. He described his show as primarily a comedy program where jokes sometimes offend people. He also suggested that some critical reactions to his broadcasts were exaggerated by the media.
Following this exchange, Sandilands commented on Barr's appearance, remarking that he had considered criticizing her "scaly legs" but refrained out of "respect for women."