Australian PM Anthony Albanese Issues Unapologetic Apology Over 'Inappropriate' Kylie Minogue Comment

Sun Sep 06 2026 07:30:38 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an unequivocal apology after jokingly commenting on Kylie Minogue during a podcast, sparking outrage over sexist remarks.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced backlash after joking about pop icon Kylie Minogue in a podcast interview. In his remarks he said “Oh, Kylie, clearly”, remarks that many MPs called sexist and disrespectful. The PM later issued an unabashed apology, calling his comments inappropriate. The incident has sparked debate over political decorum and gender sensitivity in public office. Ministerial representatives emphasize commitment to gender equality.

Australian PM Anthony Albanese Issues Unapologetic Apology Over ‘Inappropriate’ Kylie Minogue Comment

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an unequivocal apology for comments he made about popstar Kylie Minogue during a podcast interview last week.

Albanese appeared on the Bush Deep podcast hosted by comedian Nikki Osborne. In a 20‑minute session, Osborne play‑fully asked whether the PM would “shag, marry or date” Minogue, actress Nicole Kidman or entertainer Rhonda Burchmore.

After initially trying to sidestep the question, Albanese said “Oh, Kylie, clearly.” The remark was immediately slammed by MPs, one calling it “entirely inappropriate” and another describing it as “disrespectful to women… and demean the office of prime minister.”

Osborne is known for her crude comedy sketches on YouTube and has branded her podcast as “wildly inappropriate journalism” that tackles questions many would avoid.

Anthony Albanese and Kylie Minogue side by side

In a one‑line statement issued early Monday, the Prime Minister said: “I apologise unequivocally for the comments.” He added that the remarks were made during an interview held at his official residence in Canberra and released at the end of last week.

Albanese, who married his partner Jodie Haydon in November, admitted at the start of the interview that he was “only six months in.” After Osborne pushed further, he responded by citing Kylie as a clear choice for marriage, sex or dating, saying “She’s terrific.”

Community Strong MP Zali Steggall condemned the remarks as “entirely inappropriate,” urging Albanese to “lead by example and call it out as sexist.” Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson echoed this sentiment on X, calling the comments “embarrassing to Australians.”

Richard Marles, who is acting Prime Minister while Albanese visits the Pacific, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to elevating women and highlighted the cabinet’s gender balance. He noted that “the government that the PM leads is the first in history that has had equality in terms of the number of men and women in cabinet.”

Albanese also discussed the worst gift he received during overseas visits, describing a “strange” yet “quite good” gift from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi—a pair of melons—while commenting humorously on the resemblance to Pamela Anderson.

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