Dee Salmin, girlfriend of AFL star Darcy Moore and Triple J presenter, made a bold statement on the red carpet at Melbourne Fashion Week. The 31-year-old donned a white singlet boldly printed with the word ‘Difficult,’ directly referencing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent description of Grace Tame.
Salmin’s Handmade Fashion Protest
Salmin turned heads in her custom top paired with a black-and-white patterned mini-skirt and knee-high boots at the Royal Exhibition Building. She shared photos on social media earlier that day, showing herself painting the op-shop singlet with fabric paint.
‘We love difficult women and upcycling at @melbfashionfestival,’ she captioned the post. ‘So my top was handmade with fabric paint and an op shop singlet.’
Albanese’s Remark Sparks Backlash
The outfit alluded to Albanese’s comment during a rapid-fire Q&A at the Future Victoria summit. When asked to describe Grace Tame, the 2021 Australian of the Year and child sexual abuse survivor, in one word, he replied: ‘Difficult.’
Albanese also called Donald Trump ‘president,’ Pauline Hanson ‘divisive,’ and One Nation voters ‘frustrated,’ but declined to sum up Barnaby Joyce in a single word.
Prime Minister’s Apology
Facing criticism, Albanese clarified his intent. ‘If there was any misinterpretation, then I certainly apologise,’ he told reporters. ‘Grace Tame, you certainly can’t describe in one word. She has had a difficult life, and that was what I was referring to.’
Grace Tame’s Fierce Response
Tame fired back 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, she labeled the apology ‘a patronising cop out from a total coward.’
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young called the remarks unfortunate but noted the apology as appropriate. Tame had previously maintained a positive relationship with Albanese while sharply criticizing former Prime Minister Scott Morrison over issues like the Brittany Higgins case.
