WHAT WAS CLAIMED
A photo shows Anthony Albanese marching in a leather outfit in the 2026 Mardi Gras parade.
OUR VERDICT
False. The photo was created using artificial intelligence.
AAP FACTCHECK - Anthony Albanese did not march in the 2026 Sydney Mardi Gras parade in a tight leather outfit, despite online claims.
An image on social media depicting the prime minister wearing the outfit was generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
More than 150 floats and 9000 marchers participated in the Mardi Gras parade on February 28.
While Anthony Albanese has joined the parade in previous years, he did not take part in the 2026 event.
Numerous social media users are sharing the image that appears to show the prime minister marching in tight-fitting black leather overalls.
"Whilst Trump is attempting to Make America Great Again (MAGA) by fighting terrorism in the Middle East …Our fearless Leader is attempting to Make Australia Great Again (MAGA)by marching in Sydney's East," one Facebook post reads.
While some social media users have questioned the image's authenticity, many appear to believe it is real.
"Is this the way an Australian Prime Minister portrays the office of PM… No wonder we are are dead in the water [sic]," one Facebook comment said.
Another added: "He is an embarrassment to Australia and a Prime Minister".
Earlier versions of the image posted on X include a watermark for Grok, the platform's AI tool, in the bottom right corner.
The image appears to be based on one Mr Albanese posted on X, LinkedIn and Instagram of himself, wearing a black polo shirt and grey pants, marching at the 2025 Mardi Gras.
The prime minister can also be seen wearing that outfit in an ABC interview (timestamp 51 seconds) at last year's parade.
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