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 displaying the word ‘Difficult,’ directly referencing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent description of Grace Tame.
The Eye-Catching Outfit
Salmin paired the custom singlet 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 garment onto an op-shop singlet using fabric paint.
‘We love difficult women and upcycling at @melbfashionfestival,’ she captioned the post.
Context of the Prime Minister’s Remark
The outfit nods 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 later clarified to reporters that he meant her ‘difficult life.’ ‘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.’
During the same session, he called Donald Trump ‘president,’ Pauline Hanson ‘divisive,’ and One Nation voters ‘frustrated,’ but declined to sum up Barnaby Joyce in one word.
Grace Tame’s Fierce Response
Tame condemned the remark on Instagram. ‘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.’
Tame previously enjoyed a positive relationship with Albanese but sharply criticized former Prime Minister Scott Morrison over his handling of the Brittany Higgins rape allegations in Parliament House.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young described Albanese’s comments as unfortunate but noted his apology was appropriate.
