Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an apology after facing backlash for making what many have labelled 'sexist' comments about pop star Kylie Minogue during a podcast interview. The 63-year-old Labor Party leader made the remarks on a show filmed at his official Canberra residence, where comedian Nikki Osborne asked him a series of quickfire questions.
Osborne posed the classic 's**g, marry, date' question featuring three Australian celebrities: Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, and Rhonda Burchmore. Initially, Albanese feigned offence, saying, 'I've just got married. I'm only six months in!' referring to his November 2024 wedding to Jodie Haydon, 47. However, when pressed by Osborne to play along, Albanese responded, 'Oh, Kylie, clearly.' He then confirmed he would do 'all of the above' with the 58-year-old singer, adding, 'She's terrific.'
Political Fallout and Apology
The comments drew swift condemnation from across the political spectrum, prompting Albanese to release a one-line statement: 'I apologise unequivocally for the comments.' Among the harshest critics was Community Strong MP Zali Steggall, who called the remarks 'entirely inappropriate' and said the prime minister 'never should've played the game.' She added, 'He needs to learn to push back, lead by example and call it out as sexist.'
Shadow communications minister Sarah Henderson also condemned Albanese, stating the comments were 'disrespectful to women, embarrassing to Australians, and demeaning the office of prime minister.' She argued, 'Mr Albanese's crude locker-room talk makes a mockery of Labor's claim to be champions of women. How low can this prime minister go? Australians deserve better than this.' Liberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg told Radio National that the quip was 'beneath his office' and 'shouldn't' have been said.
Defence from Within Labor
Despite the criticism, some Labor figures defended Albanese. Minister Tanya Plibersek highlighted his record on gender equality, stating, 'If what the prime minister is saying is he's a fan of Kylie Minogue, I guess that puts him in a group with millions of other Australians, including me.' She added, 'What I'd say on women's equality in this country is no government's been better for it, and no prime minister's been better for it.' Acting Prime Minister Richard Marle also insisted the government is 'utterly committed' to elevating women, noting that Albanese's cabinet is the first in Australian history to have gender equality in numbers.
Other Controversial Remarks
The podcast appearance, while praised by some for its casual tone, also featured other eyebrow-raising moments. When asked about the worst gift received on a business trip, Albanese mentioned Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi gave him two melons, which he found 'strange' but 'quite good.' Osborne then asked, 'She just came in looking like Pamela Anderson?' to which Albanese smiled and made a gesture near his chest.
Kylie Minogue's Silence and Context
Kylie Minogue has not yet responded to the controversy. The singer, known for hits like 'I Should Be So Lucky' and 'Padam Padam,' has long been viewed as an inspiration to women. In 2014, she became the only female coach on The Voice and addressed the show's gender imbalance, saying, 'I hope that I'm giving a voice to the women, the girls who look up to me.' More recently, she reflected on the public scrutiny and misogyny she has faced since the 1980s, noting, 'There's always a lot of talk about how much I've changed... I was famous before I knew what I was doing.' She also lamented being asked about her age, adding, 'I don't know that Mick Jagger gets asked about it.'
Reps for Kylie Minogue have been contacted for comment.
