Australian senator Pauline Hanson has apologised for a controversial cartoon produced as part of One Nation’s satirical video series after it mocked the medical condition of independent senator Jacqui Lambie. The apology followed criticism from politicians across the political spectrum and renewed debate about the boundaries of political satire.

The video was published as part of One Nation’s Please Explain series, which uses animated satire to criticise political figures and current events. Its latest episode used Lambie’s experience of vaginal prolapse as a punchline, prompting criticism that a serious health condition had been turned into a source of ridicule.

Lambie, a former Australian Defence Force member representing Tasmania, had spoken publicly about her medical experience in the Senate in August. She explained that she had undergone surgery and taken five months away from parliamentary duties to recover. She also raised concerns about access to appropriate healthcare for female veterans.

After the cartoon appeared online, Lambie criticised its content and said that speaking openly about a health condition should not make someone a target for personal mockery. Her comments attracted support from politicians who praised her willingness to discuss an issue that many people find difficult to talk about.

Hanson initially defended the cartoon, describing it as satire and telling Lambie to take the criticism less seriously. She also suggested that the video might help raise awareness of the condition. Those remarks intensified the backlash, with critics arguing that awareness should not come at the expense of humiliating someone over a medical issue.

On Tuesday, Hanson changed her position. She said she had not personally watched the video before it was published and had spoken to its creator about making changes. She acknowledged that the cartoon was not presented tastefully and apologised to those offended by it.

Hanson also accepted responsibility for the content because the series carries her name. She said she would take a closer look at future episodes to avoid a repeat of the controversy.

Lambie had previously said that the issue was not simply about whether people could make jokes about politicians. She argued that the video used a personal medical experience to ridicule a condition that can have serious effects on women's health and quality of life.

Vaginal prolapse occurs when pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus or bowel, descend into the vagina because supporting tissues have weakened. Symptoms can vary, and treatment may involve pelvic-floor physiotherapy, medical devices or surgery. Health advocates say public discussion can help people seek support without feeling embarrassed.

The controversy has also highlighted the influence of political communication on social media. Satirical videos can spread rapidly and reach audiences beyond their intended supporters. While political satire is a longstanding feature of democratic debate, this episode has prompted questions about whether personal medical conditions should be used as material for political attacks.

Several politicians condemned the video, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who praised Lambie's courage in speaking about her experience. Others argued that public figures should be able to criticise political opponents without making sensitive health issues the target of ridicule.

The incident comes during a period of heightened discussion about political conduct and hostility in Australia. The debate has focused on the responsibility of leaders and their teams to consider the consequences of public messaging, particularly when it involves personal vulnerabilities.

Hanson's apology represents a change in tone from her initial response, although the episode has already generated substantial public attention. She has said the video will be amended and that she intends to review future content more carefully.

For Lambie, the controversy has renewed attention on women's health and the challenges faced by people who speak publicly about medical conditions. It has also raised a broader question about how political satire can remain sharp and critical without reinforcing stigma around health problems.