Anthony Albanese apologises for 'shag, marry, date' Kylie Minogue comment on comedy podcast
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued an unequivocal apology Monday after nominating singer Kylie Minogue for all three categories in a 'shag, marry, date' game on a comedy podcast, drawing sharp criticism from women's rights advocates and opposition lawmakers.
The podcast appearance
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appeared on the comedy podcast "Bush Deep" with host Nikki Osborne in an episode released late last week. The interview touched on lighthearted topics including his dog and gifts from world leaders. Osborne then asked Albanese to play a "shag, marry, date" game, naming three Australian entertainers: Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, and Rhonda Burchmore.
Albanese initially resisted, noting he had married Jodie Haydon just six months earlier. When Osborne pressed him to imagine a scenario where the marriage ended, he replied, "Kylie, clearly." Osborne followed up: "You'd marry Kylie, and shag her, and date her?" Albanese answered, "All of the above," adding, "She's terrific."
Reaction and criticism
The remarks drew swift condemnation over the weekend. Liberal senator Sarah Henderson called them "disrespectful to women, embarrassing to Australians and demean the office of Prime Minister." Independent MP Zali Steggall told The Australian it was "entirely inappropriate for the prime minister to participate in such a game," arguing he should have pushed back and called it out as sexist. Liberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg said the comments were "beneath his office."
The comments are disrespectful to women, embarrassing to Australians and demean the office of Prime Minister.
Apology and defense
On Monday morning, Albanese's office released a one-line statement: "I apologise unequivocally for the comments." Labor minister Tanya Plibersek defended the prime minister 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 noted the podcast format was different from Albanese's usual media appearances and pointed to the government's record on gender equality in cabinet and caucus representation.
I apologise unequivocally for the comments.
Political context and travel
The controversy unfolded as Albanese was travelling in the Pacific. He was in Fiji on Monday for a leaders' meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, with plans to visit the Solomon Islands later in the week before returning to Brisbane to host the leaders of Tonga and Papua New Guinea at the State of Origin rugby league decider. Australia's informal political culture often sees politicians quizzed on pop culture and sport, but the episode has reignited debate about the standards expected of the country's highest office.
