Anthony Albanese might have been captured shaking it off at a Taylor Swift concert, but he’s come under fire for his weekend musical escapades.
After attending Swift’s first Sydney show on Friday night, the Prime Minister attended a private Katy Perry concert in Melbourne on Saturday.
A self-described “Swiftie”, Mr Albanese attended the 14-time Grammy winner’s with fiancee Jodie Haydon and son Nathan when he was filmed dancing along to Swift’s hit – and the Prime Minister’s favourite song – Shake it Off.
Mr Albanese has routinely described the 1989 single as one that carries a “great message” for young girls and women about female empowerment.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was captured dancing to Taylor Swift’s hit song ‘Shake It Off’ at her concert on Friday night.
The video has gone viral, and not for all the right reasons, with some people slamming the Prime Minister for attending the concert during a cost-of-living crisis.
“Great job! Albo is a Swiftie, and Australians are getting poorer,” the poster wrote.
One comment “don’t even know how this guy got to PM”.
“This guy is just there to have much fun as possible whilst he’s there and spend taxpayers money,” they said.
The backlash didn’t stop Mr Albanese from attending billionaire Anthony Pratt’s function in Melbourne on Saturday, where a crowd of 200 political and business elites were treated to an intimate performance by Perry.
When asked about the private show on Sunday morning, Mr Albanese said it was not his main reason for attending the function.
“I gave a speech last night at the food and beverage annual dinner,” Mr Albanese said.
“Last year that was held in Sydney. This year was held here in Melbourne. It’s an annual event and it’s an opportunity to talk to manufacturers.
“The good news that I got last night from many of the businesses was that they’re expanding their operations. That means more jobs here and it means our economy is more resilient here as well.”
Earlier, Mr Albanese left the door open for Shake it Off to play at his upcoming nuptials, but there’s a few songs that definitely won’t be played.
“She’s got some great tracks, but many of them are not great wedding songs,” Mr Albanese joked on Sunday.
“She’s very good at break-up songs, and you’ve got to be very careful about what you play.
“(Probably not) We Are Never Getting Back Together.”
Mr Albanese revealed he received a “few” friendship bracelets from fellow fans on Friday night, and said the seven-show run in Australia had been great for the economy, and for overall happiness.
“At a time where there is so much turmoil, this tour has been … so positive and uplifting,” he said.
“That is her message … It has been (pure joy).”
Mr Albanese wasn’t the only politician at Swift’s show on Friday night.
Former prime minister Scott Morrison was also in the crowd, alongside his wife Jenny and daughters Abbey and Lily.
“So many having such a great night. Enjoy everyone,” Mr Morrison captioned a Facebook post, which included photos from the event.
Both of Swift’s shows in Sydney have been star-studded events, with the likes of Katy Perry, Rita Ora, Rebel Wilson, and Toni Collette watching on from the VIP tent.