Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing widespread criticism at home and abroad after making a comment about Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that has been labelled 'sexist' and 'ungracious'.
The controversy stems from a podcast recording with host Nikki Osborne, where Albanese discussed gifts he had received in his role. He mentioned a 'pretty strange' present from Takaichi, Japan's first female Prime Minister.
What was said
Albanese recounted: "The Japanese Prime Minister brought a melon. It was a royal melon." When Osborne asked if Takaichi had smuggled it into the country, Albanese replied, holding his hands in front of his chest: "Got a couple melons!"
As the conversation continued, Osborne suggested Takaichi 'came in looking like Pamela Anderson', prompting Albanese to respond: "She brought two. And they're beautiful."
Reaction from Japan
Shingo Yamagami, former Japanese ambassador to Australia, condemned the remarks in a column, calling them 'sexist' and 'ungracious'. He wrote: "The last thing she expected was to be so casually mocked by the trusted leader of Japan's special strategic partner."
Japanese commentators have also criticised Albanese, though the government has yet to comment officially.
Domestic backlash
In Australia, opposition leader Angus Taylor said the comments were 'grubby' and 'inappropriate', stating: "The comments were beneath the office of Prime Minister. They were insulting, and the Prime Minister should make a personal apology."
Albanese's office responded with a statement: "This assertion is wrong."
This incident follows a previous controversy where Albanese apologised for suggesting he would 'sh*g' Kylie Minogue during the same podcast recording. When asked who he would date, sleep with, or marry among Australian celebrities, he initially dodged the question, citing his recent marriage to Jodie Haydon, but later said 'Kylie, clearly' to 'all of the above'.
The next federal election is scheduled for 2028, with Labor holding a slim lead over One Nation and the Liberal-National coalition.
