Taylor demands Albanese apologise to Japan PM Sanae Takaichi over melon gesture
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing calls for an apology from the opposition following a gesture he made during a podcast interview that was perceived as insulting toward Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The Prime Minister's office has denied the gesture was a crude joke, though the incident has drawn criticism from a former ambassador.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the sensitivity of diplomatic relations and the potential for political gaffes to impact international perceptions.
Anthony Albanese is facing backlash over a gesture involving two melons, amid claims it was in reference to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's body.
The opposition has called for Mr Albanese to apologise, with cabinet ministers once again defending his track record.
It remains unclear if the prime minister will publicly apologise, with his team issuing a statement to a limited number of outlets.
Link copied Share Share article Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing pressure to apologise to his Japanese counterpart over a gesture he made about two melons she gifted him, which his office insists was not a crude joke.
In an interview last month, Mr Albanese gestured to his chest when recalling the melons during an exchange with Bush Deep podcast host Nikki Osborne, who asked how the fruit had been smuggled into the country.
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