Australian Prime Minister Albanese apologises after podcast comments about Kylie Minogue

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued an apology on Monday for comments he made during a recent podcast interview in which he said he would "marry, date and have sex" with pop star Kylie Minogue. The remarks, made on the "Bush Deep" show hosted by Nikki Osborne, prompted condemnation from several Australian politicians and women's groups.

Albanese, 63, told the host that he had recently married Jodie Haydon and was six months into his marriage, but added that if his marriage were to end, he would consider a relationship with Minogue. He later clarified that he had not used explicit language.

Shadow communications minister Sarah Henderson said Australians deserve better and described the comments as "grubby" and indicative of poor judgement. MP Zali Steggall called the answer "entirely inappropriate" and urged the prime minister to set a better example. Advocacy leader Melinda Tankard Reist said the remarks were beneath the office of prime minister and set a bad example for young people.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles defended Albanese, noting that the government has achieved gender parity in its cabinet and that interview questions can sometimes be unconventional. Albanese became the first Australian prime minister to marry while in office when he wed Haydon in November 2023.