It 'could've' been a man's hair: John Key denies sexist behaviour

Evidence of truly inappropriate behaviour by John Key with even more serious consequences isn't too hard to find, writes Dita De Boni. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Prime Minister John Key says he "clearly misread the situation" when pulling a waitress' ponytail repeatedly over several months, but rejects any accusation that it was sexist and says he could have also done it to a man.

Mr Key, who will appear in the House tomorrow for the first time since the hair-pulling was made public, also confirmed he has sought legal advice in relation to the incident.

While Mr Key was travelling to Turkey for Gallipoli commemorations, waitress Amanda Bailey accused him of pulling her hair against her wishes on numerous occasions when he visited the Parnell café she was working at.

Speaking to Radio New Zealand's Morning Report, Mr Key said he regretted his actions and he hoped he had not embarrassed New Zealand.

The incident was reported in media around the world.

"Clearly I've misread the situation," Mr Key told Radio New Zealand. "I can absolutely assure people it was really meant in good humour and nothing else.

"But every person on the planet would accept that I should have read that situation better. And I clearly didn't and I regret that and I've apologised sincerely for it."

He said he did not believe it was sexist behaviour and he "could've" done it to a man.

"There is a bit of context there. And the context was a very good natured environment that we were in and it was very much a sort of thing in jest. So yes, technically it would have been possible."

Mr Key said his job often led to him being in hugged and touched by people in public.

"I think [Herald reporter] Claire Trevett wrote in one of her articles that it's a fairly tactile world that we live in.

"People come up to me all the time. I don't know how many thousands of selfies I do in a week or a month. People put their arms around me lots, kids come up to me, that sort of thing.
"But if you're asking me if it's an issue then I don't believe it is, no."

Mr Key said he had consulted lawyers in case he was required to answer questions in court on the issue.

Serial litigant Graham McCready is preparing a private prosecution, claiming that Mr Key committed assault.

Ms Bailey, 26, is also considering legal action and is getting advice from Unite Union.

Mr Key said his legal advice was "just a natural part of the process I need to observe".

He added: "On the basis that the District Court or others ask questions I obviously need to be in a position to respond to that."