It was supposed to be just another Labor Day musical special. But the show on public broadcaster RAI turned into a political dispute between Italian rapper Fedez and members of Matteo Salvini's League party.
Fedez accused TV of trying to veto his speech, and even published on his social networks a recording of a phone call in which a channel manager is heard warning the rapper that his speech was “editorially inappropriate".
During the presentation of the traditional May 1st concert at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome, the singer revealed that his speech was considered "inappropriate by the deputy director of Rai3".
He also denounced the blocking of a bill in the Senate that punishes the crimes of homophobia, transphobia, misogyny and violence against people with disabilities, due to the reluctance of the League and the president of the Italian Justice Commission, Andrea Ostellari.
Fedez, who is an avid supporter of LGBT rights, began reading a series of homophobic statements from far-right party leaders, such as that from Giovanni De Paoli, a regional councilor in Liguria: “If I had a gay son, I would burn him in the fire. oven".
Amidst the controversy, the RAI He denied the accusations and said that he never asked for the texts in advance and that he never practiced forms of preventive censorship against any artist.
“This must be clear, without misunderstandings and we do not accept exploitation that could harm the dignity of the company and its employees', says the note.
Salvini criticized the rapper's stance: “Fedez and Rai 3, all internal controversy on the left. Leftist artist, leftist 'censors'. Long live music and freedom. We are waiting for someone to pay and resign,” Matteo Salvini tweeted.
Who is Fedez
Federico Leonardo Lucia, known by the artistic name of Fedez, is an Italian rapper, influencer, singer and songwriter.
In 2011, he released the albums “Penisola che non c'è” and “Il mio primo disco da venduto”, released as free digital downloads.
In 2013, he was a guest judge during the auditions for the seventh season of the Italian talent show X Factor.
In 2017 he proposed Chiara Ferragni, one of the most famous “influencers” in the world, during her show in Verona.
In 2020, Fedez raised €3 million – around R$20 million – in 24 hours through a fundraiser with Chiara to support the San Raffaele hospital in Milan during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy.
At the beginning of 2021, the rapper was one of the artists who competed in the Sanremo Music Festival, beside Francesca Michielin. They both finished in second place.
Listen to a Fedez song
FOLLOW ITALIANISM
