India, July 6 -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised after comments he made about Australian pop icon Kylie Minogue during a podcast appearance triggered criticism from political leaders and the public.

The controversy began after Albanese appeared on comedian Nikki Osborne's Bush Deep podcast. According to BBC, Osborne asked the prime minister to play a "shag, marry or date" game that involved Kylie Minogue, actress Nicole Kidman and entertainer Rhonda Burchmore.

Although Albanese first appeared reluctant to answer, saying, "I've just got married, I'm only six months in," he eventually responded after Osborne continued pressing him.

"Oh, Kylie, clearly," he said.

Osborne then asked, "You'd marry Kylie, and shag ...