Albanese faces criticism over melon comments about Japanese PM

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing bipartisan criticism and calls for a personal apology after comments he made about a gift of melons from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi were widely interpreted as a crude sexual innuendo. The controversy stems from an appearance on the comedy podcast "Bush Deep," recorded last month, where Albanese recounted receiving two prized crown melons from Takaichi during her visit to Australia earlier this year.

During the podcast, which was released in early August 2026, host Nikki Osborne asked Albanese about the gift. "The Japanese prime minister brought a melon here!" Albanese said. When Osborne asked how Takaichi got it through customs and if she "smuggled it," Albanese replied, "She brought two," while gesturing with his hands at his chest. Osborne then joked that Takaichi "came in looking like Pamela Anderson," to which Albanese responded, "She brought two! And they're beautiful!" The exchange, which was shared on social media, prompted immediate backlash.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor demanded a personal apology, stating the comments were "beneath the office of prime minister" and "insulting." Deputy Liberal leader...