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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued a full apology over remarks he made about the singer Kylie Minogue during a podcast appearance last week.

Albanese had featured on the Bush Deep podcast, hosted by comedian Nikki Osborne, who asked him a “shag, marry or date” style question involving Minogue, actress Nicole Kidman, and performer Rhonda Burchmore. After dodging the question at first, he eventually named Kylie as his pick.
The comment sparked backlash, with politicians criticizing it as inappropriate and disrespectful toward women, with some saying it didn’t suit the dignity of his role.
Osborne is known for her comedic, often outrageous online videos and started her podcast earlier this year. Her show promotes her as an outspoken host unafraid to ask bold questions.
On Monday morning, Albanese released a brief statement stating that he was sorry for what he had said, apologizing without reservation.
The interview had taken place at his official residence in Canberra and was published just days earlier. When first asked the question, Albanese had tried to sidestep it by noting he had only recently married his partner, Jodie Haydon.
When Osborne pressed further, Albanese eventually said Kylie was his clear choice. When she followed up by asking if that meant he would marry, sleep with, and date her, he responded that he would take “all of the above,” praising her as fantastic.
Zali Steggall, an MP from Community Strong, called the comments completely out of line, saying Albanese should learn to challenge sexist remarks rather than go along with them, especially given his position as a role model.
Sarah Henderson, the Shadow Communications Minister, posted online that the remarks were disrespectful towards women, embarrassing for the country, and beneath the dignity of the prime minister’s office.
Richard Marles, standing in as acting PM while Albanese travels through the Pacific, told the ABC that the government remained fully dedicated to advancing women’s roles in society. Speaking on Radio National Breakfast, he pointed out that different interview formats naturally vary, but also highlighted that Albanese’s cabinet was the first in Australian history to reach gender parity between men and women.
Separately, Albanese was asked about the strangest gift he’d received while traveling abroad. He mentioned that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had once given him two melons, an unusual present, he said, but one he actually appreciated.
“She just came in looking like Pamela Anderson?” asked Osborne as Albanese grinned and gave a playful little hand gesture in front of his chest.

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