Australian PM Albanese apologises for crude Kylie Minogue remarks on comedy podcast
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised after a comedy podcast interview in which he said he would 'shag, marry and date' singer Kylie Minogue, drawing sharp criticism from women's rights groups and opposition lawmakers.
The podcast exchange
During an episode of the 'Bush Deep' podcast released on Friday, host Nikki Osborne asked Albanese to play a 'shag, marry, date' game with three Australian celebrities: Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman and Rhonda Burchmore. Albanese initially declined, noting he had married Jodie Haydon only six months earlier, but when Osborne pressed him to imagine his marriage had ended, he replied, 'Kylie, clearly.' Asked whether that meant he would marry, have sex with and date the singer, Albanese said, 'All of the above.'
Kylie, clearly.
Backlash and criticism
The remarks drew immediate condemnation. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson called them 'disrespectful to women, embarrassing to Australians and demean the office of Prime Minister.' Independent MP Zali Steggall said Albanese should not have taken part in the game and should have challenged it as sexist. Women's rights groups also voiced outrage.
The comments are disrespectful to women, embarrassing to Australians and demean the office of Prime Minister.
Apology and government response
On Monday, Albanese issued a statement saying, 'I apologise unequivocally for the comments.' Government minister Tanya Plibersek and deputy prime minister Richard Marles defended the prime minister's broader record on gender equality, while a spokesperson for Minogue did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
I apologise unequivocally for the comments.
A familiar media trap
The episode highlights the risks of politicians appearing on informal platforms to reach disengaged voters. The Guardian noted that Albanese's appearance, alongside a stuffed toy of his dog Toto, echoed past gaffes such as former PM Kevin Rudd's 2007 answer to a 'who would you turn gay for?' question. Australian media described the podcast as 'primitive' and the remarks as 'crude observations.'
- Podcast episode released, Albanese makes remarks about Minogue.
- Backlash grows from opposition politicians and women's rights groups.
- Albanese issues public apology.
