Roberto Vecchioni sent to trial for defamation of Geronimo La Russa

Italian singer-songwriter and author Roberto Vecchioni has been sent to trial for aggravated defamation against Geronimo La Russa, the son of Senate President Ignazio La Russa. The decision was made by a single judge at the Court of Florence.

The case stems from comments Vecchioni made during the ‘Festival La Gaberiana’ in Florence in July 2023. Vecchioni recounted a 1997 incident at his Milan home where several youths allegedly stole items during a party. During his speech, he stated that ‘one of those boys was named Geronimo,’ implying it was Geronimo La Russa.

While Vecchioni had reported the theft to authorities in 1997, the investigation into Geronimo La Russa was ultimately dismissed due to a total lack of evidence, though the legal proceedings against other individuals involved continued. Geronimo La Russa filed a complaint alleging that Vecchioni’s statements damaged his reputation. The trial is scheduled to begin in February 2027.