Australian Senator Pauline Hanson has defended her attendance at a high-profile Dolce & Gabbana fashion show in Sicily, Italy, asserting that critics are motivated by jealousy. Hanson, the leader of the One Nation party, was present at the Alta Moda showcase in Taormina alongside notable figures including Gina Rinehart, Jennifer Lopez, and Monica Bellucci.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor criticized Hanson's trip, suggesting she was "living it up" while facing controversy within her own party. Taylor specifically referenced recent comments by One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts, who praised conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and expressed respect for Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine. Taylor stated that Hanson needed to address these issues promptly.
Hanson responded to the criticism via a video message from London, arguing that other Australian politicians are also on European holidays. "I can't believe you, Angus [Taylor] ... why don't you talk to your own members of parliament ... all here visiting in Italy," Hanson said. She added that several Labor Party members were also in Italy and pointed out that her trip incurred no cost to taxpayers. "Yes, I went to Sicily. Yes, I went to the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show. Is it my scene? No, no way in the wide world. But it was an experience. It was fabulous, fantastic to see, but it's not something I will ever go to again," she stated.
Before the fashion event, Hanson met with far-right activist Tommy Robinson in the UK, an encounter that drew condemnation due to Robinson's past convictions for offenses including assault and fraud. She later attended the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in London, where she was seen front-row at an address by Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-immigration party Reform UK. Farage commented on Hanson's continued political presence, noting her effectiveness on social media.
Hanson and Gina Rinehart, described as Australia's richest woman, were photographed together at the Grand Hotel San Pietro in Taormina. A spokesperson for Hanson confirmed that she and Rinehart have a long-standing friendship, with Rinehart having supported One Nation for many years. The spokesperson noted Rinehart's role as a businesswoman and philanthropist.
Hanson, 72, characterized the fashion show experience as "fabulous" and "fantastic to see," but indicated it was not an event she would attend again.