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Rai controversy involving Pierluigi Diaco

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2026-11-06 15:24 UTC → 2026-11-06 22:15 UTC · added ~~removed~~

A television interview on Rai 2’s BellaMa’ involving host Pierluigi Diaco and guest Alberto Ravagnani has triggered significant controversy within the Italian public broadcaster. The dispute began when Diaco faced criticism for questioning Ravagnani, a former priest, about his sexual orientation and private life. Ravagnani characterized the encounter as a “violent and incorrect attack.” The incident led to internal friction at Rai, with host Milly Carlucci labeling the interview “unacceptable” and reportedly barring her show’s participants from appearing on Diaco’s program. Diaco responded by accusing Carlucci of using Rai platforms to settle personal scores. External pressure mounted as formal complaints were filed with the Order of Journalists and Codacons. Codacons called for the temporary suspension of the program and the resignation of Diaco. In his defense, Diaco argued that his questions were a legitimate journalistic pursuit based on the public narrative Ravagnani has constructed through social media and television. The controversy has since divided the Rai Board of Directors, with some members condemning the “inquisitorial tone” of the interview as a violation of the public service contract. In response to the backlash, Rai’s Daytime Entertainment Division issued a formal apology, expressing regret for the tones used during the exchange and describing them as inadequate regarding the principles of balance and respect required for public service broadcasting. While the broadcaster apologized for the manner of the exchange, it maintained that journalists have the legitimacy to ask incisive and uncomfortable questions as part of their professional duties.

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