Albanese refuses apology over melon joke about Japanese PM Takaichi
Australian PM faces backlash after podcast remarks about gifted melons; ex-Japanese envoy calls comments sexist.
Conversation activity · last 2 days peak 6/hr
Summary, timeline and people extracted by Claude from 21 items across 4 sources · 9h ago. Quotes are verbatim.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese came under fire after making remarks on the Bush Deep podcast about two expensive crown melons gifted by Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi during her May visit. While the host made a Pamela Anderson reference, Albanese gestured near his chest and called the melons "pretty strange," prompting ex-Japanese ambassador Shingo Yamagami to label the comments sexist and insulting to Japan. Albanese has refused to apologize, arguing the host made the joke, not him, while government ministers defend his remarks as misinterpreted.
- Albanese made remarks about melons gifted by Japanese PM Takaichi on a July podcast episode, gesturing near his chest while calling them "pretty strange," though the host made the initial Pamela Anderson reference.
- Ex-Japanese ambassador Yamagami condemned the remarks as sexist and insulting, noting crown melons are highly prized gifts costing over $188 each in Japan.
- Albanese refuses to apologize, claiming the host made the joke and emphasizing strong Australia-Japan relations.
- Coalition opposition and government ministers are split, with opposition demanding apology and government ministers defending the PM as misinterpreted.
How it unfolded
-
Reaction Government ministers defend PM
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher and Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek defend Albanese, saying the remarks were misinterpreted and calling criticism unnecessary. Gallagher states remarks "were not intended to be interpreted the way that our political opponents and some media outlets are reporting."
“were not intended to be interpreted the way that our political opponents and some media outlets are reporting”
Katy Gallagher · Mastodon ↗ -
Reaction Opposition demands apology
Coalition opposition leader Angus Taylor and opposition MPs call Albanese's remarks insulting and demand a personal apology to Takaichi. An opposition MP challenges Albanese directly about his "foul-mouthed, classless comments about women."
-
Reaction Albanese rejects apology calls
Albanese tells parliament he "rejected the assertion of the question" and states that "Australia and Japan have never been closer" under his government, refusing to apologize for the remarks.
“Australia and Japan have never been closer. My government has taken our special strategic partnership to new heights.”
Anthony Albanese · Mastodon ↗ -
Shingo Yamagami, former Japanese ambassador to Canberra, publishes opinion piece in The Australian labeling Albanese's comments a "sexist joke" that betrayed the bond between nations and mocked the significance of the gift.
“The last thing [Takaichi] expected was to be so casually mocked by the trusted leader of Japan's special strategic partner.”
Shingo Yamagami · Mastodon ↗ - 6 weeks quiet
-
Albanese appears on satirical podcast Bush Deep hosted by comedian Nikki Osborne. When discussing the melons, host quips "She brought two... She just came in looking like Pamela Anderson." Albanese gestures near his chest and calls them "pretty strange" gifts that "ended up being quite good."
“She brought two... She just came in looking like Pamela Anderson.”
Nikki Osborne · Mastodon ↗ - 9 weeks quiet
-
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi presents two crown melons to Australian PM Anthony Albanese during her visit to Australia. Crown melons are highly prized in Japan, with individual melons costing over 30,000 yen ($188).
What people are saying verbatim
“The last thing [Takaichi] expected was to be so casually mocked by the trusted leader of Japan's special strategic partner.”
Shingo Yamagami, Former Japanese Ambassador to Canberra · BBC News ↗
“So, prime minister, please enjoy Japan's sweet and juicy melons without thinking about a woman's anatomy, and instead focus on what our two countries must do together.”
Shingo Yamagami, Former Japanese Ambassador to Canberra · BBC News ↗
“She brought two... She just came in looking like Pamela Anderson.”
Nikki Osborne, Bush Deep podcast host · BBC News ↗
“Australia and Japan have never been closer. My government has taken our special strategic partnership to new heights.”
Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister · BBC News ↗
“were not intended to be interpreted the way that our political opponents and some media outlets are reporting”
Katy Gallagher, Australian Finance Minister · BBC News ↗
“I think people watching it for themselves can make their own minds up.”
Tanya Plibersek, Australian Social Services Minister · BBC News ↗