Australian sports reporter Danika Mason has apologized for a live television segment from the Winter Olympics in Italy that went viral due to her slurred speech.
Mason, reporting for Channel Nine, stated she had "misjudged the situation" by consuming alcohol before the broadcast. She also cited altitude, cold temperatures, and not having eaten dinner as contributing factors.
During the live cross, Mason stumbled over words, referencing iguanas and coffee prices. The incident drew mixed reactions on social media, with some viewers defending her and others calling for her dismissal.
Appearing on the "Today" show the following day, Mason expressed her embarrassment and reiterated her responsibility, stating, "It's not the standard I set myself." She thanked viewers for their support.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese voiced his support, saying, "Good on her. She's over in Italy and she would have been tired." He suggested the time difference and conditions could have impacted her performance.