Menugate

Menugate refers to a 2013 Australian political controversy regarding a menu containing sexist derogatory content that was produced in connection with a Liberal fundraising dinner. The Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard claimed that the menu exemplified a pattern of behaviour within the Liberal Party by mocking her physical appearance and referencing her genitalia. She alleged that Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey and former minister Mal Brough were involved in a sexist campaign directed against her. The menu described a dish called “Julia Gillard Kentucky Fried Quail - Small Breasts, Huge Thighs & A Big Red Box”. She called for Brough to be disendorsed from standing at the upcoming election, saying that "...we have Mr Brough and Mr Hockey at a function with this grossly sexist and offensive menu on display. Join the dots."
Brough apologised, while emphasizing he did not recall seeing the menu. Hockey tweeted, “I don't recall ever seeing any such menu. It is offensive and inappropriate whenever it was put out and it is now.” A statement from the function's caterer later emerged, where he said that the offending menu had been produced as a light-hearted joke, was never on public display and not distributed on the night. He noted that an uninvolved person had made it public for political reasons.
No evidence linking the menu with the event has been presented, and claims that there was such a link appear unsubstantiated. Even the chef who leaked the menu, Dave Carter, has not provided positive confirmation that the menu was shown at the event or that Hockey or Brough saw it, simply saying that he believed it would have been shown based on his past experience at similar events.

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