Ed Kavalee slammed for mocking Jelena Dokic's moving acceptance speech at the Logies: 'Lowest point of the night'
The tennis great, 42, received the honour for Best Factual or Documentary Program for her documentary, Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story.
During her tear-filled speech, she paid tribute to Todd Woodbridge, explaining that her friend and mentor had encouraged her to get into TV 11 years ago.
When Kavalee, 46, accepted the prize for Best Comedy Entertainment Program for Have You Been Paying Attention? he stole a line from Jelena's speech.
'And 11 years ago I sat down with Todd Woodbridge and said ''I'm thinking of getting into comedy'' and he said ''don't even f***ing try''.'
From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.
While there was a ripple of laughter heard in the auditorium, Ed's jest did not seem to go over well with the viewers at home.
'Ed Kavalee mocking Jelena's amazing speech is one of the lowest points of the night,' one viewer wrote on X.
'This is INSANE if so,' another user responded on the thread.
'I missed that,' added a third fan, calling it 'disappointing.'
Another X user summed up Kavalee's speech.
'At the end of the Have You Been Paying Attention? acceptance speech he [Kavalee] started talking about Todd, mirroring how she [Dokic] ended her speech. I'm guessing it was intended as humour, but it fell very, very flat,' they wrote.
Replying on the same thread a fan took aim at Kavalee.
'He's one of those people where I have no clue how they're employed in the entertainment industry,' they said.
Attendees at the Logies sat in rapt silence during Jelena's speech in which she paid tribute to survivors of abuse.
'Ooh! I know you said 30 seconds but I will need at least 30 to gather myself,' she began, her voice trembling.
'I'm actually in shock. I didn't think this was possible and I didn't have a speech prepared,' she continued, clearly surprised by the win.
'I said to my Channel Nine team and Todd that we will wing it… I underestimated this one,' she continued.
In a heartfelt address, Dokic thanked the production team, Roadshow, In Films and her close collaborators Ivan, Manny and Jessica, crediting them for believing in her story when she initially doubted it would ever make it to air.
'You made this happen. We would not even have sat down at the table to talk about this possibility if it wasn't for you,' she said.
'I can't thank you enough for believing in me and bringing this story to screen because I certainly didn't when we sat down. I said to all of you, "You really think this is possible?" Thank you for doing that.'
Dokic also paid tribute to Channel Nine for not only backing the documentary but for standing by her side since she joined the network.
'To Brent and Ben, you took a chance with me on everything seven years ago and really believed in me—not just with the documentary but everything I do. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You always have my back,' she said.
But Dokic's most powerful moment came when she dedicated the win to survivors of domestic violence and those battling mental health challenges.
'This is not about winning,' she said. 'This is a win for victims and survivors, especially of domestic violence and mental health.'
'To not just have those stories heard but for them to reclaim their life, to find their voice and not just survive but to thrive. To do what we need to actually be able to talk about it,' she continued.
In an inspiring message to young women, she urged: 'Never allow anyone to take your worth or happiness or smile away. Believe in your goals and dreams. I am standing here as someone who literally had that dream. I believed in it. I didn't give up on it. If I can do it, you can do it too.'
Finally, she became visibly emotional as she thanked her close friend and mentor, tennis player, Todd Woodbridge, crediting him with helping her move into media after she left behind her pro tennis career.
'You're my person,' she said through tears.
'When I retired 11 years ago, you told me I could be a commentator and speaker and bring my story to life. I looked at you and said, "I don't know who you're talking about, but you're not talking about me."
'I was a person who couldn't string two sentences together and had no social skills. You believed in me professionally. I hope everyone finds a Todd like I did.'
Woodbridge beamed from the audience as Dokic concluded: 'You're a massive reason why I'm standing here in every single way.
'If everyone can have a father and mentor like Todd, they would be very fortunate. Thank you, thank you everyone.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
15 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
UK cult activewear brand Sweaty Betty launches in Australia: 'I've never found better leggings'
A UK activewear brand loved by celebrities and fitness fans worldwide has finally landed in Australia - and shoppers can't stop raving about how flattering and long-lasting the pieces are. Sweaty Betty, which until now was only available Down Under via international shipping, has launched a dedicated Australian online store. A-listers and stars like Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Alba, and Halle Berry all swear by the brand's popular activewear - with the latter also launching her own collection in 2021. Now, Aussie customers are wasting no time snapping up their favourites. The launch includes the cult Power Workout Leggings ($139) - so popular that one pair sells every minute globally - as well as redesigned Medium Stamina Workout Bras ($79), running shorts, layering pieces and 'after class' sweatshirts. Shoppers will be pleased to discover inclusive sizing with buys available in sizes XXS to XXL. Fans say it's not just about performance - it's the way the brand makes them feel. 'I've never found better leggings. They're unbelievably flattering and comfortable,' one shopper said. Sweaty Betty, which until now was only available here via international shipping, has launched a dedicated Australian online store Another agreed, adding: 'Everything stays like new, despite all the washing. The quality is incredible - I never have to worry about wear or tear.' One long-time fan said the durability is unmatched: 'I have a running top from Sweaty Betty that I've had for about 12 years. It's still my favourite to run in.' Others say the brand boosts their confidence every time they put it on. 'The gym vests and sports bras are fantastic,' one woman wrote. 'The 'after class' sweatshirts are so comfortable, and the leggings fit like a dream. I feel good the second I put them on.' Some customers have even found the swimwear to be just as impressive, claiming they still look 'good as new' after years of wear and chlorine exposure. For many, the verdict is simple: the investment is worth it. 'It's great value for money considering how long the pieces last,' one shopper said.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
The Block's Dan and Dani Reilly break down while sharing heartbreaking family tragedy
There was barely a dry eye in the house on Monday's episode of The Block as Dan Reilly opened up about his heartbreaking family tragedy. The series foreman kicked off the episode's pre-start meeting with wife Dani, who broke down as they spoke for the first time on television about the loss of their daughter, Billie. The reality TV couple tragically lost their daughter in December last year at just ten days old. 'I guess most people here would know our journey last year. We had our little girl, Billie – she arrived on the eighth of the twelfth last year,' Dan told the assembled cast and crew. 'Due to some... complications through birth we only got to spend ten days with our beautiful girl, Billie.' As the mood became more sombre, Dani continued: 'So, we're actually very grateful for those ten days – her time was spent in the NICU department at the Women's Hospital in Melbourne.' He was quick to praise the NICU staff, with Dani echoing his sentiments. 'Unfortunately, it didn't end in the way that it should have for us, but our time there, as Dan said, was really with Billie,' Dani said. 'Getting to know the nurses and doctors will be probably one of the things that we remember forever.' Dan then added that he and Dani were on a 'mission' to raise funds and awareness for NICUs around the country as well as Red Nose Australia. 'Their support for us has been absolutely amazing and they guide you through something that nobody should ever have to go through.' Dani added: 'And we're grateful for The Block for giving us the platform to be able to raise awareness for these organisations that were there for us.' To honour their daughter's memory, Dan and Dani have established Billie's Besties, a foundation that aims to raise money for the NICU at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne. The couple struggled to hold back tears as they recounted the harrowing story, and tenderly embraced as the teams also became visibly emotional. Since December, the couple has raised more than $93,000 for NICU support as a tribute to Billie. The reality TV couple took to Instagram in December to share the devastating news that their daughter, Billie Vera Reilly, had passed away on Wednesday at just 10 days old. They posted a photograph of themselves with their arms around one another as they stood beside their daughter's cot in hospital. In a heartbreaking tribute, Dani shared her 'insurmountable' grief and said she and Dan both felt 'honoured' to be Billie's parents. They wrote: 'Billie Vera Reilly 8/12/24 - 18/12/24. It is with insurmountable grief that we share the news that our daughter Billie, has passed on from this life and into the next at just 10 days young. 'In Billie's short time in this world, she taught us an intensity of both love and pain we never knew possible. She taught us what really matters. 'Billie was so wanted, so loved and she made us parents… and what an honour it is to be her mummy and daddy. She will always be our daughter. 'It's clear to us that Billie was far too good for this world but if we know anything for sure, it's that Billie's legacy will make an impact greater than all of us. 'Thank you @mrskevinsphotos for capturing such beautiful family photos for us and also for @heartfelt_ausnz for capturing many of Billie's firsts.' The couple first hit national attention when they appeared on the 2012 series of The Block. The pair, who were dating at the time, took out second place honours and a profit of $448,000. The pair returned in 2013 for The Block All Stars series, walking away with third place and a profit of $220,000. Dan has since taken on a role as foreman on the show and they also host the Dan vs Dani series, critiquing each team's Room Reveals every week. The couple tied the knot in 2018 in an intimate ceremony on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Viewers left outraged after Logies In Memoriam segment forgets to include legendary Aussie TV host
Viewers have been left outraged after the Logies In Memoriam segment on Sunday night failed to include tributes to two legendary Australian media icons. During the ceremony on Sunday, presenters Tara Brown and Deborah Hutton paid tribute to some of the stars who have died over the past year, including George Negus, Maggie Tabberer and Julian McMahon. The touching segment saw Australian Idol star Marcia Hines perform a heartfelt rendition of Amazing Grace, as a montage appeared on the screen. Despite the segment including well-known stars and lesser-known crew members, eagle-eyed viewers noticed that two key people were curiously absent. Trailblazing 1976 Silver Logie Best Actor Winner Paul Karo, who died in April, and former ABC journalist Iain Finlay, who passed away in May, were not included. Viewers took to social media to question why these icons were left out of the tribute. 'I was expecting more tributes last night!' one person remarked. 'It would have been nice if the Logie awards mentioned my father foreign correspondent/presenter Iain Finlay In Memoriam,' wrote Finlay's son Sean. 'After his extensive career in Australian television first as a presenter on ABC This Day Tonight then as co host of Beyond 2000. #Logies2025.' 'A legend in his field and should've been celebrated more than most on the night,' another person wrote. 'So sorry he was left out, one of the best, a solid journalist,' a fourth commented. The Logie Awards got off to a glamorous start - but not everyone watching the telecast was impressed, with many viewers lashing out at the 'boring' awards show. Several people took to X to slam the annual ceremony and claim the Logies simply aren't relevant anymore. 'No better confirmation that free to air TV is dying than the #Logies - a mixture of yesterday's celebrities and nobodies talking about themselves,' one person wrote. 'It's quaint how they still have the Logies - a dying medium celebrating mediocrity,' another said. It comes after Daily Mail revealed the Logie Awards might not be back next year - or ever. A high-level TV insider revealed 'they're quietly rolling up the red carpet'. 'It's just not viable anymore. No one wants to pay for it, no one's watching, and the people behind it are already looking for an exit,' said the source. That 'exit' is apparently the upcoming fire sale of magazines at Are Media - which owns TV Week and the Logies brand. The private equity firm backing Are Media, Mercury Capital, wants out after five years of underwhelming returns. The Logies red carpet used to host the likes of Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, One Direction, Ricky Martin and even Destiny's Child. 'You remember when the Logies had international stars, outrageous moments, drama?' said the insider. 'Now it's a glorified promo reel for local TV. It's like the Bogan Oscars. The big acts are gone - and so is the audience. It's Karl Stefanovic, Sonia Kruger, Hamish Blake - rinse and repeat. Boring! The audience is tired.' The ratings have also plummeted as Seven - which reclaimed the Logies broadcast in 2023 after 28 years with Nine - has seen a 20 per cent drop in digital audience. 'Seven thought they were buying back a national treasure. What they got was a very expensive nostalgia trip,' the insider added.
