Australia’s prime minister refuses to apologise to Japanese counterpart over melon gaffe
Anthony Albanese faces criticism after appearing to joke on a podcast about a gift of melons from Sanae Takaichi The Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has rejected calls to apologise to Japan’s prime minister over a joke he made about melons on a satirical podcast, amid a media frenzy and accusations of sexual innuendo. Government MPs have defended the prime minister as criticism…
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed calls for an apology to Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi over a remark about melons made on a satirical podcast in early July. The Australian government has faced mounting criticism and accusations of sexual innuendo following Albanese's comments, with opposition MPs branding them "grubby" and "disrespectful behavior".
Despite the controversy, Albanese has maintained that Australia and Japan have a "close and strategic partnership", with recent collaborative efforts in various sectors. The controversy resurfaced after a former Japanese ambassador claimed the remarks were "sexist" and betrayed the relationship between the two nations. However, Japan's government has denied any ill intent behind Albanese's statement, stating there was "sensationalized reporting" in Australian media.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
