Australian Prime Minister Faces Criticism Over Remarks About Gift From Japanese Leader

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has come under criticism over comments he made about two melons presented to him by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, after a former Japanese diplomat described the remarks as inappropriate and disrespectful.

The controversy stems from Albanese’s appearance on the Bush Deep podcast, where he discussed the crown melons gifted during Takaichi’s visit to Australia in May. During the conversation, podcast host and comedian Nikki Osborne made a joke comparing the two melons to actress Pamela Anderson. Albanese responded by saying, “She brought two, and they are beautiful,” while also describing the melons as “pretty strange” gifts that ultimately turned out to be enjoyable.

The comments, which aired in July, have reignited criticism of the Australian leader following earlier controversy surrounding remarks he made about singer Kylie Minogue. Opposition figures have called on Albanese to apologise to Takaichi, arguing that the exchange risked causing offence in diplomatic relations. However, Albanese’s office maintains that the joke originated with the podcast host rather than the prime minister himself.