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Television presenter Karl Stefanovic has sparked fresh controversy by hosting British far-right anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson in a lengthy podcast interview, during which the pair discuss immigration, Islam and Australian politics, including One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.
The Nine Network star, who has increasingly cast himself as a culture warrior, told Robinson he admired his “tenacity” and “courage” in “trying to stand up for what you believe is right” in an interview lasting almost an hour on Stefanovic’s self-titled YouTube program.
The conversation, released on Tuesday afternoon, marked the highest-profile Australian media appearance for Robinson (whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), a divisive figure who has built a large online following campaigning against Islam and immigration while repeatedly attracting condemnation for inflammatory rhetoric and a long history of legal troubles.
Stefanovic, who is currently in the UK, described Robinson as “one of Britain’s most controversial public figures” who had been at the centre of debates around immigration, grooming gangs, free speech and national identity.
A former member of the fascist British National Party, Robinson co-founded the English Defence League, an anti-Islam movement that organised street demonstrations across Britain.
He has convictions for assault, mortgage fraud, using a false passport and contempt of court, when he was jailed in October 2024 after he ignored a court order not to repeat lies about a Syrian refugee, who had successfully sued him for libel.
Robinson has again attracted attention in recent weeks following unrest in Northern Ireland, where he shared graphic footage online after a stabbing attack in Belfast allegedly carried out by a Sudanese-born suspect and subsequently promoted demonstrations that later descended into violence, including attacks on migrants and the burning of homes.
He has been condemned by several UK prime ministers, including Conservative Boris Johnson, who labelled him a “far-right thug” who did “not represent the values of this country”.
Right-wing populist leader Nigel Farage has repeatedly said Robinson was not welcome in his Reform UK party and publicly clashed with trillionaire owner of X, Elon Musk, over the activist.
During the interview, Robinson praised Hanson, saying he respected the Queensland senator for supporting him when few others would.
“I love her, Pauline,” Robinson said. “She’s proved herself. I’ve watched her for years. She spoke up for me. She’s one of the only people who spoke up for me from that side of the world and I respect her.”
Hanson eight years ago recorded a video throwing her support behind Robinson, describing him as a “civilian journalist” and “a man standing up for what he truly believes in”.
Robinson, 43, compared Hanson’s political experiences to his own, arguing she had endured years of criticism and public condemnation.
“She’s been condemned, attacked, battered, every name under the sun,” he said. “Here she is. She’s carried on against all of that backlash, all of that whirlwind.”
He said Hanson had shown leadership by refusing to retreat from controversial positions and claimed Australia’s major parties were increasingly adopting policies she had championed.
“What I can say is she hasn’t backed down and that’s what a leader should be,” he said.
Robinson also argued that many Australians shared his concerns about immigration and Islam but were reluctant to express them publicly because of fears about professional and social repercussions. He claimed radical Islamist groups were exploiting Australia’s free speech laws to promote extremism and terrorism.
Stefanovic noted during the interview that authorities “want to eliminate your voice” and told Robinson: “I can’t believe you’re alive.”
Nine declined to comment on the podcast, which Stefanovic operates independently of the network.
Stefanovic remains one of Australia’s highest-profile television personalities, reportedly earning $2.8 million co-hosting Today and fronting major news events for the broadcaster, which also owns this masthead.
There has been increased speculation over his future with the network, with reports that he is making exit plans. Nine approved his podcast launch late last year.
Robinson has described Muslims as “filthy scumbags”, called for people to “make war” on Islam, and was previously banned from Facebook after posts encouraging violence against followers of the Koran.
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Rob Harris is the national correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age based in Canberra. He is a former Europe correspondent.Connect via email.From our partners
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