Lega deputy defends controversial TikTok video of Riccione

A political controversy has emerged in Italy following a TikTok video posted by the 'Legaofficial' account, which depicts a dystopian scenario on the beaches of Riccione populated exclusively by Black people. The video was intended as a political warning regarding future migration policies if Matteo Salvini is not appointed Minister of the Interior.

Lega deputy Jacopo Morrone defended the content, stating it is not a racist video but rather an ‘allegory’, a ‘provocation’, and a ‘meme’ aimed at warning the political left to change its migration model. He clarified that the TikTok account in question is not the party's official account, despite being followed by Matteo Salvini.

Opposition groups, including the Democratic Party and the Movimento 5 Stelle, have condemned the video. Democratic Party deputy Andrea Gnassi labeled the content ‘racist and shameful propaganda’. The Movimento 5 Stelle issued a statement arguing that using a tourist city like Riccione to build representations based on skin color is not harmless satire, but a way to promote racist stereotypes. They have called for clarity regarding the accountability and authorization of such communication.