To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
A TV presenter has been left baffled after a guest dozed off during a live interview.
The Australian breakfast programme Today is hosted by Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo, who faced a pretty awkward moment this week when they seemed to lose the attention of an interview subject.
The pair were interviewing Jack Karlson, the man behind the infamous ‘Democracy Manifest’ news segment from 1991, which later became a much-loved online meme Down Under.
In the original clip, Jack was arrested outside a Brisbane restaurant, putting on a show that has become a cultural reference for many decades later.
As the police arrested him, Jack exclaimed various remarks such as ‘Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest!’ and ‘What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?’.
Now, 33 years on, Jack has appeared on TV again, joined by one of the officers on the scene at the time to discuss the incident.
Today show presenters Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo were left in stitches when a guest fell asleep live on air (Picture: Channel Nine)
Jack Karlson was on the breakfast show to chat about his infamous 1991 arrest (Picture: Channel Nine)
At the start of the interview, Jack was asked to recall what happened all those years ago.
‘It’s not difficult at all to remember because people keep showing me it on the internet and on their telephone. It’s on the internet or something,’ he said.
‘So that reminds me of it all.’
During his arrest Jack declared some now-iconic lines (Picture: AussieTV/YouTube)
After Jack spoke about what happened during the arrest and his head-scratching response, former officer Stoll Watt shared how Jack ‘wasn’t violent but wasn’t co-operative’ during the arrest.
As Stoll started talking Jack closed his eyes, at first appearing to be taking in the comments, but it soon became clear he was asleep.
When he then mentioned Jack’s name, he opened his eyes and responded, seemingly waking from his slumber after almost 75 seconds.
Karl had to check in on Jack a few times (Picture: Channel Nine)
‘I was getting a bit worried there. I thought Jack was nodding off like in Weekend at Bernie’s,’ Karl quipped as Sarah burst into laughter.
‘Are you still with us Jacky boy?’ he asked.
‘Yes mate, yes,’ Jack said bleary-eyed.
The pair were appearing TV to promote upcoming documentary The Man Who Ate A Succulent Chinese Meal, based on Karlson’s life.
When Stoll then started explaining the film, Jack again closed his eyes, with Karl having to check in and ask: ‘Jack, are you still with us?’
Since the clip was uploaded onto YouTube three years ago, it has received millions of views, with the arrest even having its own Wikipedia page.
Today airs on Channel Nine in Australia.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.