Madeleine West has taken a swipe at the AI ‘love letter’ Karl Stefanovic recently shared on Instagram, in which he reminisces over what his childhood was like in Australia during the 70s and 80s, describing it a much ‘simpler time’.
The footage was made with a collection of old footage, new footage, and artificial intelligence to paint a romanticised and nostalgic picture of Karl’s life outside of Brisbane.
The Neighbours star reshared a screenshot of the clip to her Stories, and criticised the Today show host’s message.
She pointed out that it wasn’t easy for many people in Australia during that time.
‘Note to Karl Stefanovic: The 70s and 80s weren’t less political. It’s when Australians fought hardest for rights we take for granted,’ she wrote in the caption.
Karl’s post went viral a few weeks ago when he shared a clip on his social media, crediting Sammy Thompson.
Madeleine West, 46, has taken a swipe at the AI ‘love letter’ Karl Stefanovic, 51, recently shared online, reminiscing over what his childhood was like in Australia
‘I love this country. That’s why I won’t stop talking about what’s destroying it. We have to remember what it was like,’ he captioned the video.
‘No air con. Long days on bikes. Chased by chickens. Pizza Hut. Sizzler for special occasions. Skipped rocks across the creek.
‘The hard work, the smell of the country. Wally Lewis. Allan Border. Mustering in FNQ. The first cold beer.
‘Thank you to Sammy Thompson, the legend, who has made this video for me, of my story. I’ll cherish it forever.’
The clip went viral online, leaving Aussies divided.
‘This is FRICKIN EPIC! I’m here with ya! Australia the best country in the world,’ model Elyse Knowles commented.
‘Love your storytelling Karl and love the positive use of AI you have shared with us,’ MasterChef star Declan Cleary added.
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Has nostalgia for old Australia erased the struggles and injustices many faced in the 70s and 80s?
Madeleine has now slammed the footage, sharing a post to her Stories on Friday taking a swipe at the TV presenter’s message
The clip went viral online, leaving Aussies divided
‘1970s and 80s was the bestest [sic] time to grow up. My kids always say they wish they were born then,’ one fan wrote.
‘I miss that version of Australia. Let’s protect it. Save Australia,’ said another.
However, plenty more critics came out to hit back at Karl’s romanticisation of an older Australia.
‘The old, back when everyone wasn’t offended about everything, blokes were allowed to be blokes and racism wasn’t a thing… except it was always offensive, unless you were a privileged white bloke,’ said one.
‘The Aboriginal Tent Embassy protests, the Freedom Rides, no-fault divorce, the Sex Discrimination Act, the AIDS crisis, Vietnam War(!), 1975 Constitutional Crisis, Franklin Dam case, Medicare, the Bicentennial all happened in the 1970s-80s so it’s not just ignorant to say it was less political but, just factually incorrect,’ a second wrote.
‘Karl’s looking through rose-coloured glasses, a time of Joh Bjelke-Petersen, police and government corruption, the Fitzgerald Inquiry, destruction of heritage buildings, police brutality to youth and Indigenous. Oh yes the golden years of Queensland,’ someone else added.
‘Also, he’s looking back at that time when he was a carefree kid and probably had little concept of politics or what his parents were going through to give him the lifestyle he remembers. You don’t see 80-year-olds posting AI-generated nostalgia of that time because they were the ones fighting for what you’ve mentioned,’ another agreed.
Daily Mail has reached out to Karl for comment.
