Karl Stefanovic eats his words after copping social media abuse about his comments regarding Indians. Credit:Channel 9 "The comments were only ever intended to be taken in the most light-hearted possible way but as most of you know… I have a wayward, misguided sense of humour," Stefanovic said. "In fact as plenty of you say and have pointed out – I have no sense at all. "Firstly to those members of the Indian community, our guest yesterday Kartik gave as good as he got and that banter continued in the true spirit of the World Cup after the show. We had a great conversation. He owned me on air and he owned me off air.



"It was thought to be fun, it was fun, I enjoyed, he enjoyed it, but some of you didn't. For anyone interpreting the comments in a different way my sincere apologies." That might have sufficed, but Stefanovic – of course – continued.

Karl Stefanovic eating a hot curry as a way of an apology. Credit:Channel 9 "I love India and I love the contribution Indians make across many different vocations in this great country. Our country is richer for having you and so are our sauces." Things just got weirder as he then directed his apology to those offended by the he comments he made about New Zealand cricket fans. "For my Kiwi brothers and sisters. Calling you dole-bludgers was an awful, cheap stereotype and just not true," he said. "As we all know, you can't get the dole in Australia.

"Again though, my sincere heartfelt apology to anyone across the ditch or in Bondi who took offence." It all built up to this finale. "Just because you've got a cool, happening and effective government and a really, really attractive lot of livestock doesn't mean I should take the sheep out of you," he said. At this point, the camera cut to Richard Wilkins who shook his head and said: "This is not going well." But an increasingly passionate Stefanovic continued: "I love all of you in New Zealand. I love your wine. I lived there for two years. I count two Kiwi blokes amongst my best friends, in fact, my only friends."

Finally, he invited New Zealanders to "get across the ditch". "So what I want to say to all of you this morning in Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud is this: whack on a pair of jandals and get across the ditch. It's my shout Sunday no matter what happens. All of you, four million of you, let's go." How very Stefanovic. Fairfax Media