Grace Tame: Australia PM apologies for calling sexual abuse survivor 'difficult'
BBC World
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologized for calling Grace Tame, a survivor of child sexual abuse and 2021 Australian of the Year, "difficult" during a rapid-response quiz. Tame, who advocates for victims of sexual assault, rejected the apology on Instagram, stating it was condescending. She described the term as a "misogynist's code for a woman who won't comply," contrasting it with historical praise for courageous women.
Grace Tame gained national recognition for her tireless work to overturn laws in Tasmania that silenced victims of sexual abuse. Her advocacy began after being groomed and raped by her 58-year-old maths teacher at age 15, who was later convicted and imprisoned. Tame has also been critical of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison over his government's handling of sexual assault allegations and toxic workplace culture in parliament.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by women advocates when labeled as "difficult." Greens leader Larissa Waters criticized Albanese for using the term, calling it unwarranted. She urged leaders to use empowering descriptors like "unbreakable" or "warrior" instead. The episode underscores broader issues of gender bias and media portrayal of female leaders.
This controversy matters globally as it reflects ongoing struggles with misogyny in leadership and public discourse. It raises questions about how women who challenge systemic inequalities are perceived and labeled, often facing pushback for their courage. Tame's response challenges leaders to rethink how they engage with women advocates and avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/26/2026