Dee Salmin, girlfriend of AFL star Darcy Moore, made a bold statement on the red carpet at Melbourne Fashion Week. The 31-year-old Triple J presenter wore a white singlet boldly printed with the word ‘Difficult,’ directly referencing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent description of Grace Tame.
The Outfit and Social Media Reveal
Salmin paired the eye-catching top with a black-and-white patterned mini-skirt and knee-high boots while posing at the Royal Exhibition Building. She shared photos on social media earlier that day, showing herself painting the custom singlet.
‘We love difficult women and upcycling at @melbfashionfestival,’ she captioned the post. Salmin explained, ‘So my top was handmade with fabric paint and an op shop singlet.’
Albanese’s Controversial Remark
The gesture stems from Albanese’s comment during a rapid-fire Q&A at the Future Victoria summit. Asked to describe 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame in one word, the Prime Minister replied, ‘Difficult.’
When pressed, Albanese clarified that he referred to Tame’s challenging life as a child sexual abuse survivor. ‘If there was any misinterpretation, then I certainly apologise,’ he stated. ‘Grace Tame, you certainly can’t describe in one word. She has had a difficult life, and that was what I was referring to.’
In the same session, Albanese called Donald Trump ‘president,’ Pauline Hanson ‘divisive,’ and One Nation voters ‘frustrated,’ but declined to sum up Barnaby Joyce in a single word.
Grace Tame’s Fierce Response
Tame, who faced widespread backlash support after the remark, condemned Albanese on social media. ‘Dude’s quoting Scott (Morrison) now!!! “She’s had a difficult life”… Spare me the condescension, old man,’ she wrote. ‘A badge of honour anyway. A confession that I’ve ruffled him.’
In another comment, Tame labeled the apology ‘a patronising cop out from a total coward.’
Tame previously maintained a positive relationship with Albanese but sharply criticized former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, especially over the handling of Brittany Higgins’ allegations in Parliament House.
Political Reactions
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young described Albanese’s comments as unfortunate but noted his apology was appropriate.
