Lisa Wilkinson has publicly commented on the recent departure of her former "Today Show" co-host, Karl Stefanovic, from Channel Nine. Stefanovic exited the network following controversy over a podcast interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Wilkinson shared a comedy video on Instagram featuring comedian Henry Bretz satirizing Stefanovic. In the video, Bretz, imitating Stefanovic, questions why Wilkinson wasn't fired for her outspokenness on women's issues, referencing her departure from the "Today Show."
Wilkinson added her own caption to the post, calling the video "hilarious" and the comedian "brilliant." She then made a pointed remark about her own exit from Channel Nine in 2017, stating, "Hey, hang on, I WAS fired for going on with all that 'women's s**t.'"
Stefanovic's resignation came after he uploaded an interview with Robinson to his podcast, "The Karl Stefanovic Show," and subsequently deleted it hours later amid backlash. Channel Nine stated that Stefanovic could not continue with the network while hosting his podcast.
Stefanovic, a long-time Nine personality, had six months and over $1 million remaining on his contract. It is understood he and Nine reached an undisclosed six-figure settlement for his termination.
Wilkinson and Stefanovic co-hosted the "Today Show" for a decade before Wilkinson's departure in 2017. Her exit was reportedly due to a gender pay gap dispute, with sources at the time suggesting Stefanovic earned significantly more than her. Wilkinson has previously described feeling "humiliated" and "betrayed" by her dismissal, which she learned of while shopping.
Wilkinson stated she is not "really in touch" with Stefanovic, though she did make a guest appearance on the "Today Show" earlier this year alongside Stefanovic and Sarah Abo to promote her book.