Melanie Bracewell appeared to have just one modest birthday request: to avoid spending her special day working through one of Dave Hughes’ impassioned political messages.
Rather than simply sharing warm birthday tributes from friends, fans and colleagues, the New Zealand comedian offered her followers a peek at an unexpected Instagram direct message from Hughes — and it quickly became the main event.
The Cheap Seats host marked her 31st birthday on Sunday with a cheerful selfie, writing in the caption: ‘31 today. Thanks for all the messages!’
But anyone who swiped to the second slide was met with a far less conventional birthday surprise.
Bracewell shared a screenshot of a private Instagram message from Dave Hughes, who appeared to bypass the usual birthday pleasantries and dive straight into a spirited political rant.
‘Please tell me you at least read the above,’ Hughes wrote.
Big Brother Australia host Melanie Bracewell (pictured) appeared to have one simple birthday wish: not to spend the day reading one of Dave Hughes’ political manifestos
Instead of posting only heartfelt birthday messages from friends and fans, the New Zealand comedian shared an unexpected direct message from Hughes that quickly grabbed attention
‘The corruption by Labor Govts in Victoria and Federally is sending the country completely broke. That’s my focus in politics.
‘I’m sick of politicians thinking they can control the public to believe they are helping the disadvantaged while really just getting stinking rich themselves through outright thievery.’
Bracewell had little interest in diving into the debate while celebrating another trip around the sun.
‘It’s my birthday Hughesy I’m not reading all this,’ she replied.
The deadpan response quickly became the highlight of the post, with fans praising the comedian’s perfectly timed shutdown.
Despite the exchange, there appeared to be no hard feelings between the pair.
Hughes later commented on Bracewell’s birthday post, writing: ‘Happy birthday legend. In comedian years, you haven’t been born yet.’
However, it soon became clear he hadn’t noticed the second slide exposing their private conversation.
Melanie posted a screenshot of a private Instagram message from Hughes, who launched straight into a passionate rant about politics rather than birthday wishes
After realising his message had been shared publicly, Hughes returned with another tongue-in-cheek comment.
‘I hadn’t seen that second pic when I posted the congrats! I appreciate you getting the message out there! Win win!’ he joked.
The exchange comes after Bracewell recently poked fun at Hughes’ outspoken views on politics and property.
Last week she joked on social media about the comedian’s reported investment portfolio, quipping: ‘You gotta feel for Hughesy, he’s living from his tenants’ paycheck to tenants’ paycheck,’ before adding: ‘For legal purposes this is a joke.’
Hughes has become increasingly vocal in recent months with his criticism of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor government, regularly posting videos and commentary about tax reforms, negative gearing and the state of the Australian economy.
The comedian has also shrugged off being the butt of jokes from fellow comics, including Dave Thornton, insisting he doesn’t mind the ribbing.
Speaking recently, Hughes said he had received strong public support for speaking out, claiming many Australians had thanked him both online and in person for voicing their frustrations.
Meanwhile, Bracewell’s birthday comeback has taken on a life of its own online.
‘Using ‘it’s my birthday Hughesy’ whenever I don’t want to do something for the rest of my life,’ one follower joked.
Another quipped: ‘Happy Birthday! Congrats on being responsible for Hughesy’s funniest joke in two decades.’
A third added: ‘Word of advice for Australia… don’t get your political advice from Dave Hughes.’
