ROME: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has officially announced her separation from her partner of almost a decade, television journalist Andrea Giambruno. The announcement comes on the heels of public backlash against Giambruno for his sexist comments during his on-air broadcasts.
In a heartfelt statement shared on her Facebook page, Prime Minister Meloni expressed her decision: “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.”
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For the unversed, Giambruno has been the talk of the town due to his recent on-air antics. He hosts a news programme on Mediaset, which is part of the MFE media group owned by the heirs of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, a political ally of Meloni.
Mediaset aired off-air excerpts from Giambruno’s programme, revealing him using inappropriate language and making advances towards a female colleague. In one recording, he can be heard saying, “Why didn’t I meet you before?” and in a more explicit recording aired on Thursday.
Giambruno boasts about an affair and suggests that female colleagues could work for him if they participate in group activities. These revelations have shocked the public and raised concerns about his conduct.
Giambruno’s on-air behaviour has sparked public outrage, adding to his list of controversies. He had previously been widely criticised in August for apparent victim-blaming comments following a gang rape case.
Meloni, a firebrand Italian leader known for her conservative populism, found herself in a unique position when she encountered Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent G20 summit. The Internet called it the “Meloni Fangirl Movement” as she appeared charmed by PM Modi.
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The rapport between the two leaders was so apparent that social media was flooded with memes and affectionately dubbed them “Melodi”. Their meeting, less than a month after Meloni was sworn in as Prime Minister, signified the strong connection that transcended borders. In March 2023, she arrived in Delhi, and their burgeoning friendship quickly became the subject of international attention.