# Italian political controversy over AI image manipulation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-political-controversy-over-ai-image-manipulation > Updated: 2026-09-26T21:01:58.000Z. Sources: 94. Developments: 2. A political controversy has erupted in Italy following the publication of an AI-manipulated image of Forza Italia deputy and Undersecretary Matilde Siracusano by Roberto Vannacci, leader of Futuro Nazionale. The image, which used artificial intelligence to exaggerate Siracusano’s cleavage, was shared during the by-election campaign in the Reggio Calabria-Locri constituency, which involves 71 municipalities and nearly 350,000 voters. Siracusano has condemned the act as “sexist attack and digital bullying” rather than satire, describing it as “deplorable” and affirming her intention to file a legal complaint. Political leaders across the spectrum have denounced the incident. Vice Premier Antonio Tajani described the attack as “vulgar and unacceptable,” while Sicilian Regional President Renato Schifani called the incident “grave and unacceptable,” emphasizing that respect for the individual must precede political opposition. Calabria Governor Roberto Occhiuto, who is also Siracusano’s partner, criticized the use of software to modify a woman’s body for political purposes. The incident has shifted the national debate toward the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence for political propaganda and the rise of gender-based digital violence. Legal scrutiny has turned toward Article 612-quater of the Italian Penal Code regarding the illicit dissemination of AI-altered content. Forza Italia has called for all political parties to refrain from using AI-modified content to protect democratic integrity. Beyond the immediate controversy, the incident has triggered political shifts in Sicily. Tommaso Calderone has moved from the centrist Forza Italia toward the more radical Futuro Nazionale, a move aligned with the growing influence of Vannacci’s movement. This shift has drawn criticism from leaders like Saverio Romano, who argues such radicalism is incompatible with a moderate center-right coalition. Vannacci has denied creating the image, claiming it was sourced from a Calabrian blog. ## Claims - Roberto Vannacci published a photo for the Reggio Calabria by-election campaign featuring Matilde Siracusano. (corroborated by 25 sources) - The photo used artificial intelligence to exaggerate the cleavage of Matilde Siracusano's clothing. (corroborated by 21 sources) - Matilde Siracusano characterized the modification of the photo as sexism rather than satire. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Matilde Siracusano is considering filing a legal complaint regarding the image manipulation. (corroborated by 11 sources) - Vice Premier Antonio Tajani described the attack on Matilde Siracusano as vulgar, unacceptable, and dishonorable. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The original photo was taken from Matilde Siracusano's personal Instagram profile and modified using software. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The photo was published to mock Calabria Governor Roberto Occhiuto. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Stefania Craxi stated the image manipulation does not constitute satire or legitimate political criticism. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Alberto Barachini, Forza Italia communication head, appealed to all parties to stop using AI-modified content in campaigns. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Roberto Vannacci denied creating the manipulated image. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Described the manipulation of the photo as indecent. (single source) - The Iacchite' blog stated the image was generated by AI rather than manually modified by the site. (single source) - Voter turnout for the Reggio Calabria by-election reached 14.97% by 11:00 PM on the first day. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Sicily political tension rises over Vannacci image controversy Sicilian President Renato Schifani has condemned Roberto Vannacci for using a manipulated image of Undersecretary Matilde Siracusano, amid reports of shifting political alignments in the region. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-political-tension-rises-over-vannacci-image-controversy ### 2026-09-26: Matilde Siracusano AI photo controversy disrupts Reggio Calabria elections Roberto Vannacci faces backlash for sharing an AI-manipulated photo of Matilde Siracusano during the Reggio Calabria by-elections, sparking debates on deepfakes in politics. 90 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/roberto-vannacci-faces-backlash-over-manipulated-photo-of-matilde-siracusano --- Cite as: Italian political controversy over AI image manipulation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-political-controversy-over-ai-image-manipulation