Karl Stefanovic cops backlash over fiery anti-mask interview on Today show

Karl Stefanovic dramatically pulled the pin on an interview with a viral anti-mask activist – but why have her on in the first place?

The Today show courted controversy this morning after inviting the woman responsible for one of this weekend’s viral Bunnings videos on to the program – then booting her off mid-sentence.

The woman, Lizzy Rose, had posted footage of herself refusing to wear a mask at a Bunnings in Maribyrnong. She’s seen spouting coronavirus conspiracy theories as a staff member calls police.

Lizzy appeared on Today for almost five minutes this morning, during which time she declared the coronavirus pandemic was “orchestrated” and “biochemically engineered”.

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The numbers seem less ‘not true’ when you’re on a ventilator, Lizzy.

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“The numbers are not true,” she claimed of the virus’ ever-growing infection and death toll.

Five minutes in, Karl decided he’d had enough.

“Unfortunately there are people out there who are going to side with you, and that’s just irresponsible in the current climate. You know, I can’t even listen to you anymore. Nup. It’s wrong,” Stefanovic said, averting his eyes as Lizzy’s mic was turned down and she left the screen.

The Today host then apologised directly to viewers: “I’m sorry. I thought we’d in some shape or form get to a reasonable excuse as to why she was doing that, otherwise we wouldn’t have got her on in the first place. There’s no reasonable explanation.”

RELATED: Here’s a look at ‘Bunnings Karen’s’ arguments for not wearing a mask, and why they don’t stack up

Karl after cutting the interview short.

Co-host Ally Langdon confessed there had been behind-the-scenes discussions about whether or not to give their guest airtime, but “then felt that it was important, because this is happening over and over again, to hear her point of view.” She said she backed Stefanovic “100 per cent, in calling quits on that.”

“Apologies if you were offended – let us know what you think about that on our Facebook page,” he said, before cutting to an ad break.

Many have – and while some have congratulated Karl for pulling the pin, others asked why Lizzy was invited onto the show in the first place and given ample airtime to spout her conspiracy theories. (One wonders exactly how prematurely Karl had ended the interview, given the segment had already run for more than five minutes at that point.)

@TheTodayShow Karl you should have kicked her out 1 second into her pathetic responses - what a complete idiot

— Aunty Sonia (@sonia_aunty) July 27, 2020

@TheTodayShow - just got to say, that was the best interview I've seen on your show for quite some time! Karl and Ally letting Australia know just how crazy that woman is!

— Leanne (@leeweegee) July 27, 2020

@TheTodayShow I had to walk away while you gave that anti mask moron air time because people like that are dangerous and irresponsible. Please don't give these people more attention. More of the Langwarrin kiddos, less of the anti mask idiots please.

— Em Nanscawen (@EmNanscawen) July 27, 2020

@TheTodayShow why are you wasting air time arguing with #BunningsKaren ? It was actually highly irresponsible for you guys to have her on in the first place....but hey ratings 🙄 @karlstefanovic @Channel9

— bitch3zbcray (@bitch3zbcray) July 27, 2020

@TheTodayShow Am watching 8n the UK & have to say this. NICE ONE KARL.
You totally did the right thing & I just hope that CH9 does not let her on 60 minutes or ANYTHING else. She just wants to do Self advertising. I agree with you, people are losing loved ones & she does that.

— Michael Vizard (@vizardm) July 27, 2020

@TheTodayShow so happy you cut that woman off. So irresponsible. If you can't follow health advice, you should not be allowed access to claim PBS, Medicare, Bulk Billing or free hospital.

— David Grant (@Tiger1479) July 27, 2020

@TheTodayShow Thank you Karl & Ali for saying what so many of us Victorians are thinking & feeling about non mask wearers! You were so right to turn that woman off, people like her need to be muted. What’s happened to the Australian spirit we saw in January with the bushfires?!😔

— marcela (@marcela96974155) July 27, 2020

@TheTodayShow why are we giving these anti mask wearers attention? Thank you @karlstefanovic for cutting her off! I have no interest in listening to these negative people who are selfish, they’re putting other lives at risk & only setting us all back. #WearADamnMask

— Kylie O (@kyls17) July 27, 2020

@TheTodayShow @karlstefanovic Why are you giving air time and oxygen to "anti maskers" like Lizzy? Glad to see she had time to put make up on for 15 seconds of fame on national TV but she won't wear a mask. Don't give her a platform or air time. Blur her face.

— Anna Condaa (@klawdan) July 27, 2020

“Why have her on in the first place? It’s not like you can run an argument that she was going to have a reasonable, rational explanation,” another viewer tweeted.

“Why are you giving these loons air time? It’s not news, it’s what they want – notoriety,” said another.

And proving you can’t please everyone, other viewers criticised Karl for daring to cut the interview short:

@TheTodayShow Wow! The lady should wear a mask but she didn't need to be spoken to like that. You didn't speak to Paddy Gibson like that. #9Today

— MLo (@MLoParis) July 27, 2020

I thought you were better than that @karlstefanovic . @TheTodayShow censors yet another guest just because they don't agree. Ally cut off a US Republican last week... This week, Karl cuts off the so called 'anti-masker'.
Leave your emotions at home and present us the damn news!

— 🔥 THE NIGHTWATCH 🔥 (@Kat_Pauner) July 27, 2020

Bunnings’ chief operating officer, Deb Poole, acknowledged there had been “a couple of disappointing incidents” over the weekend, but staff had responded in a “fair and balanced” manner.

“The irresponsible behaviour by a few is incredibly disappointing and can increase the risk for our team and other customers,” Ms Poole said.

“This behaviour is unacceptable and we reserve the right to deny entry to our stores for customers who refuse to wear a mask and don’t have appropriate exemptions.

“Any customers who do not respect the hard work of our team will be denied entry and if needed will be referred to Victoria Police.

“We are grateful to the police for their support and to the vast majority of Victorians who, like us, are trying to do the right thing keeping everyone as safe as possible.”