Karl Stefanovic defends Erin Molan amid Andrew Johns ‘rift’ saga
The support is rolling in for Erin Molan with her Channel 9 stablemate Karl Stefanovic slamming trolls in an impassioned defence of the sports presenter amid speculation of a rift with rugby league great Andrew Johns.
Confidential
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One of Australia’s top television hosts has added his voice in support of beleaguered sports presenter Erin Molan.
Karl Stefanovic dedicated several minutes of airtime on 2GB radio on Friday afternoon defending Molan, who has been in the spotlight all week over speculation of a rift with rugby league great Andrew ‘Joey’ Johns.
“A good friend of mine has come under nasty and unwarranted criticism this week,” he said while filling in for Ben Fordham.
“I first met Erin when she was working on the Footy Show years ago. It was a different time in the media and the blokes ruled the roost. Erin never complained when at times she could have, I know that for a fact but she got on with it. Erin Molan is one of the nicest, most hard working, most professional people you’ve ever met.”
Stefanovic’s words were in response to online trolls bitterly and viciously attacking Molan off the back of The Sunday Telegraph report at the weekend that Channel 9 had been dealing with an awkward falling out between her and rugby league Immortal Johns.
The story was sparked by the fact the pair no longer work together on Friday night football when Nine advertised at the start of the year that Johns would be an integral part of the Friday night coverage Molan is hosting this season.
“Gutless keyboard warriors,” Stefanovic continued. “And don’t think for a moment that the online hate is easy to ignore because it is not. It takes its toll.
“Now there’s more garbage being thrown around that she is difficult to work with. Sometimes in this job when you’re in the public eye you get people who try to bring you down. It goes with the territory. That’s not going to work on Erin Molan. She’s far too good for that.
“And for those who feel it is appropriate to harrass and troll someone for no good reason, do me a favour; look in the mirror and find something decent to do with your life”.
Stefanovic urged Australians to get behind Molan when she hosts the NRL grand final coverage when the Canberra Raiders take on the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.
“Make sure you watch this Sunday ... watch a woman who stands up and delivers despite all the pressures,” he said. “A woman who we are all proud to call a friend, a woman who gets the job done.”
Nine has stated that both Molan and Johns will be part of the network’s grand final coverage on Sunday.
Beau Ryan also today again reiterated his support for Molan in the ongoing controversy.
“She gets trolled … we all get trolled, everyone in the media gets trolled,” he told KIIS FM. “She cops it man. She has done her apprenticeship in TV in terms of it took her a while to break in, especially as a woman in the NRL, as a presenter. It was tough and I’ve got nothing but respect and love for her. She is super professional.”
Earlier this week, after Nine denied any rift between Molan and Johns, Today show co-host Deb Knight took to Twitter in Molan’s defence.
“When it comes to champion people and broadcasters @Erin_Molan is top of the list,” Knight wrote. “Professional. Hard working. Gives her all. I’m honoured to call her a colleague and a friend.”