Steve Smith’s tearful press conference interrupted by Kyle and Jackie O Show prank in ‘disgraceful’ publicity stunt

The radio show's ‘intern’ compared Smith’s role in the Australian ball-tampering scandal with that of a couple of a reality TV show

Australian radio show Kyle and Jackie O has been heavily criticised after one of its ‘reporters’ crashed Steve Smith’s press conference while the former cricket captain was on the verge of tears, having apologised for his role in the ball-tampering scandal.

Smith returned from Johannesburg to Sydney on Thursday after being banned from the Australian cricket team for a year, with governing body Cricket Australia deciding that he played a significant role in the ball-tampering controversy during the third Test against South Africa.

Appearing in a press conference at Sydney Airport, Smith issued a statement to apologise for his actions and was clearly emotional about the events that have unfolded since last Saturday, and he broke down in tears on numerous occasions.

After inviting questions from the media, Smith was asked a question from a man among the reporters who had gathered to quiz the sacked captain, although from the start Smith seemed puzzled by the tone of the question.

Starting by saying they wanted to take a “change of tack”, the man was soon revealed to be ‘Pete the Intern’ from KIIS 106.5 radio programme The Kyle and Jackie O Show, which is known for its controversy and has been accused of broadcasting offensive comments in the past.

Pete said: “I want to let you know from the perspective [of the] non-sports community of Australians, to see you upset tonight is very sad.

“Mate I’ve got to tell you...hold your head high for what you have done because what’s actually been worse is what Davina and Dean did on Married At First Sight.”

In what was a reference to an Australian reality TV show, the publicity stunt was given short shrift from Smith as well as the media officer in attendance, who quickly moved the press conference on to the next question.

The incident quickly triggered a social media backlash, with hundreds of messages being posted on Twitter condemning The Kyle and Jackie O Show for an “ill-judged and awful” publicity stunt that attempted to capitalise on Smith’s current position, including some from other reporters, journalists and radio broadcasters who claimed they should “hang their heads in shame”.

Critics included ABC news anchor Leigh Sales, who said: “The person from the @kyleandjackieo who made a statement during the Smith remarks - utterly ill-judged and awful.”

Her colleague, Michael Rowland, added: “Hang your heads in shame the @kyleandjackieo show. That was a truly disgraceful stunt.”

7 News court reporter Sharnelle Vella said: “Did @kyleandjackieo seriously send someone to the Steve smith presser to ask a stunt question for a bit of publicity? What a joke. And people wonder why the media is hated at times. Honestly.”

Australian actor Lachy Hulme, who has appeared on The Kyle and Jackie O Show in the past, said: “You guys should be ashamed of yourselves. @kyleandjackieo I will never appear on your show again. Fact. Disgraceful.”