Karl Stefanovic's Dalai Lama joke flops on air

Karl Stefanovic has caused controversy with a recent joke.

The Australian television personality, who is best known for presenting the Today show every morning alongside Lisa Wilkinson, made a quip about pizza toppings to the Dalai Lama during an interview with him.

Stefanovic told the Buddhist leader on air: "The Dalai Lama walks into a pizza shop and says, 'Can you make me one with everything?'"

The Dalai Lama was confused, but laughed when Stefanovic covered his face and admitted: "I knew that wouldn't work."

The TV host won the prestigious Gold Logie award this year as well as the prize for 'Most Popular Presenter'. He was later forced to deny rumours of drunken antics when he was flying back from covering the royal wedding in London for the Logies.

Stefanovic also hit headlines at the annual awards ceremony three years ago when he went on air the following morning still drunk. Wilkinson said that she was "proud" of his responsible behaviour at this year's event.

He has previously described himself as a "rascal", saying that he is prone to silly "shenanigans".

Watch Karl Stefanovic's Dalai Lama joke flop below: