Australian PM Albanese Faces Backlash Over 'Sexist' Remarks About Japanese PM's Melon Gift

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing criticism after comments he made about two crown melons gifted to him by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi were described as sexist by a former Japanese envoy.

During an appearance on the Bush Deep podcast, Albanese gestured near his chest while referring to the melons, calling them 'pretty strange' gifts that 'ended up being quite good.' The episode, which had aired in July, had already attracted controversy due to comments about singer Kylie Minogue.

A former Japanese diplomat said the comments 'betrayed the close bond' between Australia and Japan and were an insult. The incident has sparked a diplomatic and domestic political debate about appropriate conduct for senior officials.