Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was dubbed 'Kevin Rude' by an opponent on Friday after reports surfaced that the Australian leader made a flight attendant cry because she served him the wrong meal.

Rudd, who is rumoured to have a sharp temper, downplayed the incident when it was raised during a news conference in London, where he was attending the G-20 Summit.

"As I recall it ... I had a discussion with, I think, one of the attendants on the provision of food," Rudd said. "It didn't last very long and if anyone was offended by that, including the attendant concerned, of course, I apologize."

Rudd said he apologized to the crew at the time and told a member of the crew not to worry about the language he had used. He also said he did not see any tears.

Australia's 'Daily Telegraph' newspaper reported that the incident occurred on a Royal Australian Air Force VIP flight from Papua New Guinea to Australia in January. Rudd had reportedly requested a meal with no red meat in line with a diet he was on.

The paper said the 23-year-old flight attendant serving him was reduced to tears after the prime minister berated her when he received the wrong meal.

The newspaper cited an official incident report that said the crew was not aware of the meal request.