Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an unequivocal apology after facing criticism over comments he made about pop star Kylie Minogue during a podcast interview.
Albanese drew backlash after appearing on comedian Nikki Osborne’s Bush Deep podcast, where he was asked to choose whether he would "shag, marry or date" Kylie Minogue, actress Nicole Kidman and entertainer Rhonda Burchmore.
Initially attempting to avoid the question by noting he had recently married his wife, Jodie Haydon, Albanese eventually replied, “Oh, Kylie, clearly.” When pressed further by the host, he responded, “All of the above. She’s terrific.”
The remarks prompted criticism from political opponents and independent lawmakers, who described them as inappropriate and unbecoming of the office of prime minister.
In a brief statement released on Monday, Albanese said: “I apologise unequivocally for the comments.”
Independent MP Zali Steggall said the comments were “entirely inappropriate” and urged the prime minister to “lead by example and call it out as sexist.”
Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson also criticised the remarks, calling them “disrespectful to women, embarrassing to Australians and demeaning to the office of Prime Minister.”
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles defended the government's broader commitment to gender equality while acknowledging that public figures sometimes face scrutiny over informal interviews.
The controversy emerged while Albanese is on an official visit to the Pacific.
.jpg.jpeg)