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Karl Stefanovic was mercilessly roasted at the 2026 TV Week Logie Awards on Sunday night after failing to attend the star-studded ceremony despite being nominated for a prize.
Host Robert Irwin wasted no time targeting the former Today show presenter, joking that organisers needed fewer bartenders because of his absence.
'Unfortunately, Karl Stefanovic didn't RSVP tonight, which means we didn't have to hire quite as many bartenders,' the 22-year-old told the audience at The Star Sydney.
'But we've kept him a spare seat, just in case. It's over there to the right - the far right.'
The savage punchline was greeted with laughter before Irwin swiftly moved on with the show.
'Guys, I'm pumped for an awesome night. Are we ready?' he asked the crowd.
Karl Stefanovic was mercilessly roasted at the 2026 TV Week Logie Awards on Sunday night after failing to attend the star-studded ceremony despite being nominated for a prize. Pictured: Host Robert Irwin
Host Robert Irwin wasted no time targeting the former Today show presenter, joking that organisers needed fewer bartenders because of his absence
Comedian Urzila Carlson later joined the pile-on, taking aim at Stefanovic’s recent comments about Covid vaccines.
'Is it just me, or do you guys think Karl Stefanovic hasn't been the same since he got the Covid vaccine?' Guy Montgomery joked.
Carlson replied: 'Mate, I'd be furious too if I got a vaccine for a disease that doesn't exist.'
She then turned her attention to another absent media personality.
'Speaking of all-Aussie legends whose names start with K, Kyle Sandilands isn't here this evening,' she said, prompting applause.
'And always with his finger on the pulse.'
Stefanovic was nominated for the Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter for his work on Today, alongside Ally Langdon, David Speers, Michael Usher, Sarah Abo and Sarah Ferguson.
His conspicuous absence came after his dramatic departure from Nine in June, bringing his long-running tenure on the network's breakfast program to an abrupt end.
Comedian Urzila Carlson and Guy Montgomery later joined the pile-on, taking aim at Stefanovic's recent comments about Covid vaccines. 'Is it just me, or do you guys think Karl Stefanovic hasn't been the same since he got the Covid vaccine?' he joked
'Mate, I'd be furious too if I got a vaccine for a disease that doesn't exist.' Carlson then turned her attention to another absent media personality
Nine announced it was no longer possible for Stefanovic to continue presenting Today while producing his independent podcast.
The split followed controversy surrounding his interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose appearance on The Karl Stefanovic Show sparked an intense backlash.
Stefanovic defended the interview as legitimate journalism and insisted that hearing controversial opinions did not amount to endorsing them.
The broadcaster had also attracted attention after apologising for his role in Nine's Covid vaccination campaign and interviewing figures who have questioned vaccines and mainstream pandemic policies.
His career shift provided ample material for Irwin and Carlson as Australian television's biggest names gathered for the 66th Logie Awards.
Despite no longer working for Nine, Stefanovic remained eligible for the publicly voted presenter award because the nomination recognised his work on Today during the qualifying period.
The veteran presenter previously won the Gold Logie and Most Popular Presenter award in 2011.
Irwin, meanwhile, made history as the youngest-ever host of the ceremony, taking over from comedian Sam Pang after his three years at the helm.
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