The Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has rejected calls to apologise to Japan’s prime minister over a joke he made about melons on a satirical podcast, amid a media frenzy and accusations of sexual innuendo. Government MPs have defended the prime minister as criticism mounted over last month’s remarks, branded by the Coalition opposition as “grubby”. In her question, the Liberal MP Mary Aldred described Albanese’s comments as “foul-mouthed, classless” and “disrespectful behaviour”. The opposition leader, Angus Taylor, on Monday demanded Albanese apologise, while his deputy, Jane Hume, claimed the melon comments were “grubby” and “beneath the office of the prime minister”. Labor MPs have closed ranks around Albanese, defending the prime minister and deflecting questions about his remarks.