Italy PM Meloni splits from journalist partner after his sexist TV comments
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TV journalist Andrea Giambruno has drawn criticism in recent weeks for sexist comments made on and off-air.
PHOTO: REUTERS
ROME – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Friday that she had separated from her television journalist partner Andrea Giambruno, who has drawn criticism in recent weeks for sexist comments made on and off-air.
Ms Meloni told reporters in September that she should not be judged over Mr Giambruno’s remarks, and in future would not answer questions about his behaviour.
The split comes as the 46-year-old Meloni celebrates her first year in office at the head of a right-wing coalition government that has defended the traditional family as one of its policy hallmarks.
“My relationship with Andrea Giambruno, which lasted almost 10 years, ends here,” Ms Meloni wrote on her social media accounts.
“Our paths have diverged for some time, and the time has come to acknowledge it,” she added.
Ms Meloni said she would not be distracted by difficulties in her private life, saying, “all those who hoped to weaken me by striking me at home”, would have no success.
The couple, who met in a TV studio in 2014, have a seven-year-old daughter.
Mr Giambruno, 42, is the presenter of a news programme transmitted by Mediaset, part of the MFE media group owned by the heirs of the late Mr Silvio Berlusconi, the former premier and ally of Ms Meloni.
This week, another Mediaset satirical current affairs television show broadcast off-air video excerpts from Mr Giambruno’s programme showing him using foul language, touching his groin and appearing to make advances to a female colleague.
“Why didn’t I meet you before?” he asks her.
In a second audio recording aired on Thursday, Mr Giambruno is heard talking about being in an affair and telling female colleagues they can work with him if they take part in group sex.
The TV journalist had already been widely criticised in August for apparent victim-blaming comments following a gang rape case.
Mr Giambruno was not immediately available for comment.
Mr Marco Furfaro of the opposition Democratic Party said Mr Giambruno’s comments were “pure chauvinism and sexism… uncommentable filth”. REUTERS
