Italian influencers face legal proceedings for aggravated defamation

Two separate legal cases involving Italian social media personalities have been updated regarding defamation charges.

In Rome, YouTuber Francesca Bugamelli, known as Bugalalla, has been summoned to trial for aggravated defamation. The prosecution alleges that Bugamelli used social media platforms, including YouTube and Facebook, to falsely accuse criminologist Roberta Bruzzone, author Davide Parenti, and journalist Roberta Rei of serious crimes. These accusations included corruption of public prosecutors, fraud, and involvement in criminal associations related to revenge porn and child pornography. The charges also extend to the production company Reti Televisive Italiane S.p.A. regarding comments made about the program ‘Le Iene’. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for January 28, 2027.

In a separate matter, the trial for TikToker Rita De Crescenzo has been postponed to January 12, 2027. De Crescenzo is accused of defamation against a restaurateur in Castel di Sangro following a New Year's Eve dinner in 2022. The plaintiff is seeking 20,000 euros in damages for harm to reputation after De Crescenzo posted critical comments on social media regarding her experience at the establishment. The hearing will take place at the Sulmona court to hear remaining defense witnesses.