Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised "unequivocally" for comments he made about popstar Kylie Minogue during a podcast interview last week. The remarks were made on the Bush Deep podcast, hosted by comedian Nikki Osborne, who asked Albanese whether he would "shag, marry or date" Minogue, actress Nicole Kidman, or entertainer Rhonda Burchmore.

After initially trying to avoid the question by noting he had just married his partner Jodie Haydon six months ago, Albanese responded, "Oh, Kylie, clearly."

The comments, made during an interview at the prime minister's official residence in Canberra and released at the end of last week, were met with swift condemnation. Community Strong MP Zali Steggall described the remarks as "entirely inappropriate" and said Albanese "needs to learn to push back, lead by example and call it out as sexist." Another MP said the comments were "disrespectful to women... and demean the office of Prime Minister."

Osborne, known for crude comedy sketches on YouTube, launched her podcast series earlier this year.

In a brief statement issued early Monday, Albanese said: "I apologise unequivocally for the comments."

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, speaking on Radio National Breakfast, highlighted that the government Albanese leads is the first in history to have gender equality in cabinet, emphasizing the broader context of the Prime Minister's leadership.

Sources