Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an apology after making comments about singer Kylie Minogue during a podcast interview. The remarks, made on the 'Bush Deep' podcast hosted by comedian Nikki Osborne, drew widespread criticism for being disrespectful to women.
During the podcast on Thursday, Osborne asked Albanese to choose among Minogue, actress Nicole Kidman, and performer Rhonda Burchmore in a hypothetical 'shag, marry, date' scenario. Initially hesitant, Albanese eventually said, 'Oh, Kylie, clearly.' When pressed further, he agreed to 'all of the above,' adding, 'She's terrific.'
Additional Controversial Remarks
Osborne also asked if Albanese and his wife, Jodie Haydon, were still 'bonking like rabbits.' Albanese replied, 'Well, you know, when we have time. After the footy. After the footy. It's always a good aphrodisiac, a Souths win,' referring to the South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league team.
Political Backlash
The comments drew sharp criticism from opposition figures. Senator Sarah Henderson, shadow minister for communications and digital safety in the Liberal party, wrote on X: 'Anthony Albanese’s whisky-fuelled comments on the “Deep Bush” podcast are disrespectful to women, embarrassing to Australians and demean the office of Prime Minister.'
Albanese apologized on Monday through a statement from his office, saying, 'I apologise unequivocally for the comments.'
