Coalition calls on Albanese to apologise to Japan's PM over melon gesture
The Australian prime minister has landed in hot water over a gesture involving two melons, which his office insists was not referring to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's body.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under fire for a gesture involving two melons, allegedly referencing Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's body. The opposition has demanded Albanese's apology, with cabinet ministers defending his record. The prime minister's team has issued a statement, claiming the gesture was not a crude joke.
The incident resurfaced after former Australian ambassador Shingo Yamagami criticized the exchange in The Australian, labeling it insulting and ignorant. Albanese's office maintains the assertion is incorrect. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor called for Albanese to apologize, criticizing Labor's hypocrisy. Liberal Deputy Leader Jane Hume also criticized the comments as grubby and inappropriate.
Senior cabinet ministers have defended Albanese's appearance on the podcast, with Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek disagreeing with Yamagami's interpretation. Health Minister Mark Butler emphasized Australia's close relationship with Japan. Transport Minister Catherine King argued the comments were being blown up by the opposition. Despite the controversy, no public comments have been made by the Japanese government.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
