- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected calls to apologize 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.
- During an interview on the comedy podcast Bush Deep in early July, Albanese spoke about Japan’s leader giving him a gift of Japanese melons.
- Albanese made hand gestures while discussing the present, saying 'she brought two, as you do', which has drawn criticism.
- Japan's government sent a diplomatic cable to Australia in July, claiming there had been 'sensationalised reporting' and detected no 'ill intention' in Albanese's statement.
- Former Japanese ambassador Shingo Yamagami criticized the joke as 'sexist' and stated it 'betrayed the close bond' between Japan and Australia.
- Opposition leader Angus Taylor demanded an apology from Albanese, describing the comments as 'grubby' and 'insulting'.
- On Tuesday, Albanese rejected calls to apologize, stating 'I reject the assertion in the question'.
- Government MPs defended Albanese, with Pat Gorman stating 'There is no need for that.'
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing backlash for comments made about Japanese melons during a podcast, which critics have labeled as sexist. The remarks, made on the Bush Deep podcast, included gestures and comments about the melons gifted by Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.12
Albanese stated, "I reject the assertion in the question," when asked if he would apologize for what some have called "foul-mouthed, classless comments about women." The controversy escalated after Shingo Yamagami, a former Japanese ambassador, described the comments as a "sexist joke" that undermined the close relationship between Australia and Japan.5
The opposition leader Angus Taylor has demanded an apology, labeling the remarks as "insulting" and "grubby". Meanwhile, Albanese defended his comments, asserting that Australia and Japan have never been closer and that his government has enhanced their strategic partnership. He emphasized recent collaborations in economic, strategic, and security areas between the two nations.6
The Japanese government reportedly sent a diplomatic cable to Australia, indicating that they found no "ill intention" in Albanese's remarks, despite the sensationalized media coverage. Crown melons, which are highly valued in Japan, can cost over ¥30,000 (approximately $188), highlighting the significance of the gift.
In response to the ongoing criticism, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher stated that the remarks were not intended to be interpreted negatively, while Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek called the interpretation "completely unnecessary".
“The controversy stems from a July podcast where Albanese gestured near his chest while discussing crown melons, which cost over 30,000 yen ($188) each. Japan's diplomatic cable noted 'sensationalised reporting' and no 'ill intention', but former envoy Yamagami insists the joke 'betrayed the close bond' between the nations.”
The Guardian
