Bruno Vespa apologizes for tone used with student representative

Journalist Bruno Vespa has issued a formal apology for his conduct toward Sabrina Brizzola, a 24-year-old coordinator for the Unione degli universitari, during a broadcast of Porta a Porta on Rai 1.

The controversy arose during a discussion regarding school dropout rates and the right to education. Vespa had abruptly interrupted Brizzola, telling her that young people should “document themselves” and “study” before appearing on television to avoid saying “nonsense.”

In a follow-up episode, Vespa read a note expressing regret for his “strong tone” but maintained his stance on the accuracy of the data being discussed. He argued that the figures regarding school dropout rates and scholarship assignments were being misrepresented by opposition voices and emphasized the importance of fact-checking in public discourse.