Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed criticisms on Monday after revealing in a podcast that he fantasizes about having relations with pop star Kylie Minogue.
“I sincerely apologize for my remarks,” said the 63-year-old leader.
Albanese, who got married last November, surprised many when asked by podcast host Nicki Osbourne about his preferences among Minogue, Nicole Kidman, and Rhonda Birchmore. Initially, he hesitated, saying, “I’ve only been married for six months.”
Osbourne prodded, “But let’s pretend, just for fun,” trying to coax a response from him.
Eventually, Albanese admitted, “Obviously, Kylie.”
Osbourne pressed further, asking if he would marry, date, or sleep with her. Albanese responded, “All of the above,” while sidestepping explicitness.
Minogue hasn’t reacted yet, but Albanese faced backlash from fellow politicians, including Sarah Henderson, the shadow communications minister. She criticized his comments, stating, “Australians deserve better.”
Henderson expressed that rather than gracefully declining, Albanese made inappropriate remarks that reflect poorly on the Labor Party’s credibility.
She added that his locker-room banter undermines Labor’s stance as a champion for women. “How low can the Prime Minister go? This isn’t acceptable.”
MP Zali Steggall described Albanese’s remarks as “entirely inappropriate,” emphasizing that he should lead by example and confront sexism.
Steggall noted that such comments exceeded the expectations of his role as Prime Minister, as indicated by reports from outlets like Rolling Stone.
Melinda Tankard Reist, of the Shout Movement, echoed these sentiments, stating that the comments were beneath him. “It doesn’t matter if you’re targeting a younger audience,” she mentioned, insisting that this behavior sets a regretful standard.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles defended Albanese, asserting that the Prime Minister is committed to empowering women. He remarked on ABC radio that their interviews can diverge from more conventional formats.
Marles also highlighted that Albanese’s government is the first in Australian history to achieve gender equality in its cabinet.
Albanese and his wife, Jodie Haydon, made history when they married in Canberra, marking him as the first sitting Prime Minister to wed.
