Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced her separation from her partner, Andrea Giambruno, following a controversy surrounding Giambruno’s sexist comments during a satirical television show. The couple had been together for nearly a decade and shares a seven-year-old daughter.
The controversy arose when Giambruno, a television journalist, made inappropriate comments and engaged in inappropriate conduct during a satirical current affairs television show. In the show, he was criticized for using foul language, touching his groin, and making advances towards a female colleague. Video excerpts of his behavior went viral, causing widespread outrage.
In response to the controversy, Giorgia Meloni took to her social media accounts to announce the end of her relationship with Giambruno. She wrote, “My relationship with Andrea Giambruno, which lasted almost 10 years, ends here. Our paths have diverged for some time, and the time has come to acknowledge it.” Despite the separation, she emphasized her commitment to her role as the Prime Minister and stated that she would not be distracted by difficulties in her private life.
Last month, Meloni had clarified that she should not be judged based on Giambruno’s remarks and announced that she would not answer questions about his behavior in the future. As Italy’s first female Prime Minister, she has faced significant attention, both for her political role and her personal life. Her tenure as Prime Minister is part of a right-wing coalition government.
The couple first met in 2014 at a television studio. Andrea Giambruno, aged 42, is a television presenter for a news program broadcast by Mediaset, which is part of the MFE media group owned by the heirs of Silvio Berlusconi, a former Prime Minister and an ally of Giorgia Meloni. The controversial remarks and behavior in the satirical TV show have led to significant backlash against Giambruno, both from the public and media.
Video clips from the TV show captured Giambruno using vulgar language and making inappropriate advances towards his female colleague. In one instance, he asked her, “Why didn’t I meet you before?” The controversy escalated when an audio recording surfaced, in which Giambruno was heard talking about an affair and suggesting that his female colleagues could work with him if they participated in group sex.
Despite the scandal surrounding her partner, Giorgia Meloni is determined to focus on her responsibilities as Prime Minister. In a statement, she said, “All those who hoped to weaken me by striking me at home will have no success.”
The Italian Prime Minister’s announcement of her separation from Andrea Giambruno marks a significant change in her personal life and comes as she celebrates her first year in office. Throughout her tenure, she has faced various challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and political pressures. Despite the controversies, she remains a prominent figure in Italian politics and continues to fulfill her duties as the head of the right-wing coalition government.
