Aurelio De Laurentiis defends comments regarding Elly Schlein

Napoli president and film producer Aurelio De Laurentiis has issued a clarification following controversy over comments made about Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein. De Laurentiis, who reportedly described Schlein as ‘inguardabile’ (unwatchable) during an informal lunch with Forza Italia members, stated on X that his remarks were intended from a political perspective rather than a sexist one.

De Laurentiis argued that Schlein’s constant expression of dissent makes her ‘unwatchable’ in a political sense, suggesting she should engage in dialogue rather than continuous opposition.

However, PD members have condemned the remarks as sexist. Senator Valeria Valente criticized the comment as a judgment on physical appearance rather than political merit, labeling it a product of a ‘dangerous and chauvinistic subculture.’ Filomena Marcantonio, PD Sannio Secretary, also defended Schlein, stating that attacking a woman’s appearance instead of her ideas is an act of ‘toxic masculinity’ and a sign of political weakness.