Australian PM Albanese apologizes for Kylie Minogue comments

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has formally apologized for comments he made regarding pop icon Kylie Minogue during a podcast. While appearing on the Bush Deep podcast with comedian Nikki Osborne, he was prompted to choose between "shag, marry or date" Minogue, actress Nicole Kidman, or entertainer Rhonda Burchmore. After a brief pause, he responded, "Oh, Kylie, clearly," and later remarked, "All of the above. She's terrific." His remarks faced significant backlash, with MP Zali Steggall labeling them "entirely inappropriate" and Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson criticizing them as "disrespectful to women... and demean the office of prime minister." In a brief statement on Monday, Albanese said, "I apologise unequivocally for the comments." The podcast was recorded at his official residence in Canberra and released last week. Albanese wed his partner Jodie Haydon in November. Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles highlighted the government’s commitment to gender equality in cabinet. Additionally, Albanese shared a humorous anecdote about receiving two melons as a gift from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during an overseas trip.