Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered an “unequivocal” apology following widespread backlash over remarks he made about pop star Kylie Minogue during a comedy podcast appearance.
The controversy erupted after the prime minister participated in comedian Nikki Osborne’s Bush Deep podcast, where he was drawn into a “s**g, marry, date” game involving the Australian singer alongside Nicole Kidman and entertainer Rhonda Burchmore.
“I apologise unequivocally for the comments,” Mr Albanese stated on Monday through his office.
The interview, which was recorded at the prime minister’s official Canberra residence and released last week, prompted swift condemnation from opposition politicians and women’s rights advocates who argued his participation was beneath the dignity of his office.
Kylie Minogue has received an apology from Australia’s prime minister
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GETTYDuring the podcast exchange, Mr Albanese initially attempted to sidestep the question, noting he had only been married to Jodie Haydon for six months.
However, when Ms Osborne pressed him by asking what he would choose if his marriage “went tits up,” the prime minister relented.
“Oh, Kylie, clearly,” he responded.
When the host sought clarification, asking whether that meant he would marry, sleep with and date the singer, Mr Albanese confirmed: “All of the above. She’s terrific.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese apologised ‘unequivocally’
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REUTERSThe interview also touched on other personal matters, with Ms Osborne asking whether the newlyweds were “bonking like rabbits.”
Mr Albanese replied: “Well, when we have time. After the footy. It’s always a good aphrodisiac, a Souths win.”
Opposition figures swiftly denounced the prime minister’s conduct.
Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson accused the remarks of making “a mockery of Labor’s claim to be champions of women,” describing them as “disrespectful to women, embarrassing to Australians, and demean the office of Prime Minister.”
Kylie Minogue is yet to address the saga
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GETTYIndependent MP Zali Steggall argued the comments were “entirely inappropriate” and “beneath the office of Prime Minister.”
She maintained that Mr Albanese should have refused to participate in the game altogether, instead choosing to “push back, lead by example and call it out as sexist.”
Liberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg echoed similar sentiments, stating the prime minister’s behaviour fell short of the standards expected of his position.
Labor ministers rallied behind the prime minister despite the controversy.
Anthony Albanese has faced criticism for his remarks
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GETTYTanya Plibersek defended Mr Albanese without having heard the interview, telling Channel Seven that being “a fan of Kylie Minogue… puts him in a group with millions of other Australians, including me.”
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles acknowledged the podcast format was “different” from typical media appearances, pointing to the government’s record on gender equality in cabinet and caucus representation.
Ms Minogue herself has not publicly responded to the incident.
The 58-year-old singer, who rose to fame through the television series Neighbours before becoming a global pop icon, won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Dance Recording in 2024 for her hit Padam Padam.