Peter Stefanovic apologises to Keegan Payne over theft question

First Edition host Peter Stefanovic has reacted to his controversial questioning of a Northern Territory fishing champion.

Sky News First Edition anchor Peter Stefanovic has apologised live on air for his widely condemned interview of Northern Territory fishing champion Keegan Payne.

When Mr Payne, 19, won big for hooking a $1m barramundi, he was invited onto the broadcaster’s morning news show. Stefanovic used the opportunity to question Mr Payne on the alleged theft of two vehicles more than three years prior.

The line of questioning faced scrutiny for its platforming of stereotypes and stigma against Indigenous youth.

Peter Stefanovic has apologised for questioning Keegan Payne on the theft of a Polaris Ranger and Polaris quad. Picture: Supplied

“An apology from me, last Wednesday we invited Keegan Payne onto our show to discuss his win in the Million Dollar Fish competition in the Northern Territory,” Stefanovic said during First Edition on Monday.

“During that interview I asked him about a theft that had occurred several years earlier. I should not have asked him about those claims and I regret doing so.

“I apologise sincerely to Keegan and his family.”

Stefanovic previously gave a personal apology to Mr Payne, as reported in a statement from the network.

Million-dollar fishing champion Keegan Payne. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Sky News Australia and Peter Stefanovic apologise to Mr Payne and his family for raising these claims during the live interview about his million-dollar win in the fishing competition,” the Sky News statement reads.

“Mr Stefanovic has reached out to Mr Payne and his family directly to convey his apology.”

Stefanovic has remained as anchor on the network’s morning news show this week.

On Wednesday, Stefanovic questioned Mr Payne on the events from when the teenager would have been 16.

“There is a claim online that you stole a Polaris Ranger and Polaris quad that you and your friends stole and damaged from a business a few years back. First of all, is that true?” Stefanovic asked.

Cav’s Mowing owner Bob Cavanagh said Mr Payne had offered to reimburse him.

“Yes,” Mr Payne said. “(We) weren’t thinking at the time.”

Mr Payne said he regretted his actions and went on to offer to pay his former employer for the reported damage to the two vehicles.

Cav’s Mowing owner and Mr Payne’s former employer Bob Cavanagh told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Payne had offered to reimburse him.

“Out of the blue this morning, his father rang me and said, ‘Keegan wants to repay you,’ and you could have knocked me down with a feather,” Mr Cavanagh said.

“He said Keegan has always felt so terrible for what he did.”

No charges were laid against Mr Payne.