WHILE the Prime Minister refuses to confirm whether she will meet the Dalai Lama, Channel Nine's Karl Stefanovic probably wishes he never had.

In a low point for diplomacy - and comedy - the Today host told what he has since admitted was a terrible joke to the Dalai Lama when His Holiness appeared on the show.

"So embarrassed" ... Karl Stefanovic with the Dalai Lama.

Stefanovic wrote on Twitter later: ''Told him a gag that he didn't get. So embarrassed.''

Interviewing the Dalai Lama on Friday, Stefanovic leant forward, grinning, and said: ''So the Dalai Lama walks into a pizza shop.'' This was repeated to His Holiness by his interpreter.