Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an 'unequivocal' apology for comments he made about pop star Kylie Minogue during a podcast interview last week. Appearing on the Bush Deep podcast with comedian Nikki Osborne, Albanese was asked to choose among Minogue, actress Nicole Kidman, and entertainer Rhonda Burchmore in a game of 'shag, marry or date'.

After initially hesitating, Albanese said 'Oh, Kylie, clearly,' prompting immediate backlash. MP Zali Steggall called the remarks 'entirely inappropriate,' while Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson said they were 'disrespectful to women... and demean the office of Prime Minister.'

The interview took place at the prime minister's official residence in Canberra. Albanese, who married his partner Jodie Haydon in November, first noted he had been married only six months, but under pressure from Osborne, he added 'All of the above. She's terrific.'

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles defended the government's commitment to women's advancement, noting that Albanese's cabinet is the first in history with gender parity. He told ABC Radio National that the government is 'utterly committed' to elevating women in society.

In the same interview, Albanese was asked about the worst gift received on an overseas trip, mentioning two melons from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Osborne quipped, 'She just came in looking like Pamela Anderson?' to which Albanese smiled and gestured with his hands.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk