Australian PM Anthony Albanese Apologizes to Activist Grace Tame After Calling Her 'Difficult'

Canberra. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologized to activist Grace Tame, who is a survivor of child sexual abuse. The controversy erupted after Albanese commented on Tame, calling her 'difficult'.

Prime Minister Albanese apologized, stating that he used the word intending to refer to the difficulties Tame faced, but it was misinterpreted.

During a quick-fire round of questions, Albanese called Tame, the 'Australian of the Year' for 2021, 'difficult'. Responding to this, the 31-year-old Tame commented that this word was a 'code for misogynists' targeting women who do not comply. However, she added that history remembers such women as courageous.

As the controversy escalated, Prime Minister Albanese clarified, stating that he intended to point towards the hardships Tame faced in her life.

"If there was any misunderstanding, I apologize," he said. Albanese stated that Tame has endured an extremely difficult life but deserves great credit for transforming it for the benefit of others. However, Tame rejected the Prime Minister's apology and posted a sharp reaction on Instagram.

"Don't patronize me, old man. We all know what you meant to say," she wrote. Meanwhile, Australian Greens leader Larissa Waters also called Albanese's comment completely inappropriate. "We cannot be silenced by labeling women as 'difficult'. Next time, say 'resilient', 'warrior', or 'courageous', Prime Minister," she said.

Tame was sexually abused by her teacher at the age of 15. Later, she led a significant campaign to overturn the law in Tasmania that prevented victims from sharing their experiences publicly.

Due to her efforts, Tame was declared 'Australian of the Year' in 2021. Recently, Tame also faced criticism for her statement, 'Globalize the Intifada,' at a pro-Palestine rally.

Some called this a violent call, while supporters interpreted it as a message of peaceful resistance.