Australian PM apologizes for 'aphrodisiac' remarks about Kylie Minogue

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has publicly apologized for sexually suggestive remarks he made about pop icon Kylie Minogue on a comedy podcast. The remarks, made on the "Bush Deep" podcast hosted by comedian Nikki Osborne, sparked criticism from both the public and political figures.

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All of it. She's great.

During a rapid-fire "Shag, Marry, Date" game, Albanese, who recently married, initially hesitated but ultimately chose Minogue for all three categories, stating, "All of it. She's great." The podcast episode, released late last week, also included a jest about his sex life, where Albanese quipped that a win by his favorite rugby team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, was "always a good aphrodisiac."

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always a good aphrodisiac.

The comments drew sharp criticism. Independent MP Zali Steggall called the participation in the game "completely inappropriate" for a prime minister, while opposition politician Sarah Henderson deemed the statements disrespectful to women and demeaning to the office. However, Albanese's government defended him, with Minister for Women's Economic Security Tanya Plibersek stating that his admiration for Minogue placed him "in line with millions of Australians."

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completely inappropriate

Minogue, 58, is one of Australia's most successful artists. The Prime Minister's office emphasized the government's record on gender equality policies in response to the controversy.

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in line with millions of Australians.