In brief
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a brief apology after remarks he made about pop star Kylie Minogue on the Bush Deep podcast were widely condemned. In a 20‑minute interview with comedian Nikki Osborne, Albanese answered a provocative question with a terse “Oh, Kylie, clearly,” prompting criticism from MP Zali Steggall and Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson. The comments triggered a wave of condemnation over sexism, while Albanese’s spokesperson stated an “unequivocal” apology. Government officials, including Acting PM Richard Marles, reaffirmed a commitment to gender equality and the dignity of the Prime Minister’s office. The incident highlights challenges faced by political leaders navigating media moments on social platforms.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised ‘unequivocally’ for comments he made about popstar Kylie Minogue in a podcast interview last week.
The leader appeared on the Bush Deep podcast with comedian Nikki Osborne, who asked him during a 20‑minute interview whether he would “shag, marry or date” Minogue, actress Nicole Kidman or entertainer Rhonda Burchmore. After initially trying to sidestep the question, Albanese said, “Oh, Kylie, clearly.”
The remark was met with a swift backlash. MP Zali Steggall called the comment “entirely inappropriate,” while Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson spelled out it was “disrespectful to women…embarrassing to Australians.”
Osborne, known for provocative comedy sketches, noted her “wildly inappropriate journalist” style and asked questions no one else would dare. Albanese, who married Jodie Haydon in November, first said, “I’ve just got married, I’m only six months in,” before conceding, “Oh, Kylie, clearly.” He then added, “You’d marry Kylie, and shag her, and date her?” and marked, “All of the above, she’s terrific.”
Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson later took to X to say the comments were “disrespectful to women, embarrassing to Australians and demean the office of Prime Minister.”
Acting PM Richard Marles, while Albanese was on Pacific duty, affirmed the government’s “utter commitment” to elevating women. Marles highlighted that the Albanese Cabinet is the first in history to have an equal number of men and women.
Albanese had also discussed his least favourite overseas gift—two melons from Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi—during the same interview. Osborne quipped about Takaichi’s arrival, and Albanese’s light‑hearted response softened the mood.
