Australian PM apologises for ‘inappropriate’ comments about Kylie Minogue



Australian PM Anthony Albanese and singer Kylie Minogue
Australian PM Anthony Albanese (left) apologised after remarks about Kylie Minogue were labelled ‘disrespectful’.


Anthony Albanese has issued a clear apology for his remarks about pop icon Kylie Minogue during a recent Bush Deep podcast interview.


The 20‑minute interview, which featured comedian Nikki Osborne, asked Albanese whether he would “shag, marry or date” Minogue, fellow actress Nicole Kidman or entertainer Rhonda Burchmore. After initially sidestepping the question, Albanese responded, “Oh, Kylie, clearly.”


The comment was swiftly condemned. MP Zali Steggall called it “entirely inappropriate” and warned it “demeaned the office of Prime Minister.” Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson likewise described the remarks as “disrespectful to women, embarrassing to Australians and demean the office of Prime Minister.”


The Bush Deep podcast, launched by Osborne earlier this year, is billed as a “wildly inappropriate journalist” platform that asks “questions no one else would dare.” In a one‑line statement, Albanese said, “I apologise unequivocally for the comments.”


The interview took place in the Prime Minister’s official residence in Canberra and was released last week. Albanese, who married partner Jodie Haydon in November, said, “I’ve just got married, I’m only six months in.” He then added, “Oh, Kylie, clearly.” When Osborne followed up with, “You’d marry Kylie, and shag her, and date her?” he answered, “All of the above – she’s terrific.”


Richard Marles, acting Prime Minister while Albanese visits the Pacific, assured the ABC that the government remains “utterly committed” to the elevation of women in society. Marles 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 was also asked about the worst gift he received on a foreign trip. He recalled a “strange” but ultimately “quite good” gift from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who brought two melons. Osborne quipped, “She just came in looking like Pamela Anderson.”


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