The Project host Waleed Aly left fans feeling shocked after he slammed his colleague Steve Price with a cruel joke live on air on Monday night.
But after seemingly seeing the error of his ways, Waleed backtracked on his comments, and apologised to pal Steve for his “pretty crap” joke.
WATCH EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED IN THE VIDEO BELOW
The on-air comments occurred during a segment about a child in the US who’d driven his toy tractor to a carnival.
“The tractor in that story looks like your tractor,” Waleed, 40, said jokingly to Steve.
The childish put-down amused his Project colleagues Carrie Bickmore and Peter Helliar, and Steve took it on the chin.
“Aw, short jokes so early!” Steve, 64, said with a smile.
“Pretty funny though,” Carrie laughed.
Minutes later, however, Gold Logie winner Waleed realised the magnitude of his bullying insult and decided it was only right to apologise to Steve.
“Before, I made a joke at your expense, it was a short joke you’re right … not good enough by me, sorry about that,” Waleed said.
“No, that’s OK,” Steve replied. “I’ve been putting up with it my whole life.”
Waleed, who’s been a host on The Project since 2015, was determined to clear the air.
“I know, and I never make those jokes and I know you personally don’t actually care,” Waleed continued.
“But after you said it [was a short joke], yeah … that was pretty crap.”
“You didn’t need to say that, thank you,” said Steve, who seemed moved by the apology.
“No, I think I probably did,” Waleed said.
The Project, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, also just welcomed long-time host Carrie back to the desk.
The only presenter who has been on the show since it started in 2009, Carrie recently celebrated her return to work after taking time out on maternity leave.
