Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced backlash from prominent progressive politicians and commentators after describing former Australian of the Year Grace Tame as 'difficult' during a public forum. The remark, given as a one-word answer, prompted criticism from Tame and her supporters, who argued the label echoed sexist stereotypes often directed at outspoken women.

Tame reshared a post calling the Prime Minister a 'misogynist', while several public figures accused him of distancing himself from her after previously aligning with her advocacy before his election victory. Critics suggested he had benefited politically from her profile in the past and were quick to condemn what they saw as a dismissive characterisation.

Albanese later clarified that he had meant Tame had experienced a 'difficult life', not that she herself was difficult. However, the explanation did little to quell criticism from Greens politicians, media commentators, activists and entertainers, many of whom publicly expressed support for Tame and defended so-called 'difficult' women who speak out.

The controversy follows recent criticism of Tame over comments she made at a rally in Sydney protesting the visit of Israel's president, where she led a chant that sparked public debate and calls from some quarters for her national honour to be revoked.