Japanese ambassador to Australia downplays Albanese melon gaffe as Taylor claims PM has ‘stuffed up’
The Japanese ambassador to Australia has downplayed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent comments about a gift of melons, stating that Tokyo has been assured by the Australian government that the remarks were not made as reported.
The story so far
- Aug 11
- Aug 12
How outlets cover it
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Open questions and key claims
Government MPs defended Albanese, with Assistant Minister Pat Gorman stating, 'I don’t know why we’re still talking about this.'
Liberal MP Mary Aldred described Albanese’s comments as 'foul-mouthed, classless' and 'disrespectful behaviour'.
Former Japanese ambassador Shingo Yamagami claimed Albanese had insulted Takaichi and that the joke betrayed the close bond between the nations.
Former Japanese envoy Shingo Yamagami called Albanese's comments a 'sexist joke' and stated they 'betrayed the close bond' between Japan and Australia.
Albanese stated the host of the podcast made the joke, not him.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese refused to apologise for a joke made about a gift from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese is facing criticism for comments made about melons gifted by his Japanese counterpart.
Separate comments made during the same interview about a gift from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi drew furore from political opponents.
Who and where
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