Karl Stefanovic and his brother, fellow Nine Network star, Peter, have publicly apologised to their colleagues and employers before a private conversation of the pair talking in an Uber car is made public on Monday.
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New Idea will reportedly publish details of the conversation provided by the Uber driver, in which the brothers were allegedly complaining about colleagues, including Karl's Today co-host Georgie Gardner, entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, journalist Mark Burrows and Nine executives.
The pair, who have since vowed only to use cabs from now on, released statements to News Corp on Sunday before a transcript of their conversation appears in New Idea, a publication owned by Pacific Magazines, a subsidiary of Kerry Stokes' Seven West Media group.
"Pete and I were guilty of having a spray after a Sunday barbecue," Karl said.
"We talk a hundred times a day and hardly ever about work. Mainly about his terrible golf. But we did ... And we are sorry.
"For the record, Georgie Gardner is killing it as well. She's the best thing to happen to the show in years. She's hungry, she's working hard and making the show better every day. I love working with her. Anyone says differently, they don't know.
"PS. I'll be taking cabs from now on," he said.
Peter, who hosts Weekend Today and is married to Today star Sylvia Jeffreys, has also said sorry.
"I did a silly thing and feel awful for any embarrassment I’ve brought to my colleagues, who I deeply respect," he said.
"I have spoken directly to the people involved and have offered my sincerest apologies as I have been raised to do. Do something wrong, apologise, and try to move on.
"It is embarrassing to not only get myself into this situation but also my big brother, and the network.
"There’s nothing quite like having all your insecurities out there for people to see and read. I am now investing in a hands-free ear piece, and I gave the driver one star - but only because you can’t give a zero," he added.
New Idea reportedly paid the Uber driver $50,000 for the transcript.
“Clearly it was school behaviour between brothers but that’s no excuse," a Nine representative said of the incident.
Karl will return to the Today desk alongside Gardner on Monday for the first time since participating in a commitment ceremony with his new partner, shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough, last weekend.
It is illegal in NSW to record a conversation without all parties being aware.
Sources within New Idea have denied that any tapes of the conversation exist, and it is understood the story being prepared is from the recollection of the Uber driver, PS reported.
Fairfax Media has approached Karl and Peter Stefanovic for comment.
