JAKARTA - Australian Prime Minister (PM) Anthony Albanese sparked controversy due to his conversation with a radio host about the melon given by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during his visit to Australia last May.
Albanese's comments in the broadcast published on July 3 were considered impolite and contained sexual innuendo.
In the video, Albanese says Takaichi has brought "some melons" while making a gesture with his hands on his chest.
In return, the radio show host joked that Takaichi came with an appearance like Pamela Anderson, referring to the actress in the Baywatch series.
"He brought two (melons) and they were both beautiful," Albanese said in response to the host.
The Australian newspaper reported that Albanese's comments were widely interpreted as a reference to Takaichi's body parts. Opposition lawmakers have also urged Albanese to formally apologize to Takaichi.
An Australian lawmaker from the opposition party questioned Albanese on Tuesday (11/8) about whether the prime minister would apologize for rude and unethical comments about women.
"I reject the allegations listed in the question," Albanese said, quoted by ANTARA from Kyodo.
Meanwhile, the Australian Government's news agency, ABC, on Wednesday, August 12, reported that the Japanese Ambassador to Australia, Kazuhiro Suzuki, said the Japanese Government was aware of media reports on the contents of the wiretap.
"We have received information from the Australian side that PM Albanese did not make the statement as reported," Suzuki said in a statement quoted by ABC.
The report said the dinner Albanese hosted during Takaichi's visit had been held in a very relaxed atmosphere.
Japan also believes that this helps build a relationship of personal trust between the two leaders.
In Japan itself, high-quality melons are often used as a symbol of luxury gifts.
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