Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni disclosed on Friday that she has parted ways with her long-time partner, television journalist Andrea Giambruno. Giambruno has recently faced backlash for making sexist remarks. Meloni had earlier stated that she shouldn't be held accountable for Giambruno's comments and pledged not to address his behavior in the future.
As Meloni marks her first year in office leading a right-wing coalition government, which has advocated for traditional family values, she made the announcement on her social media accounts. She explained that her relationship with Giambruno, spanning almost a decade, has come to an end, citing that their paths had diverged some time ago.
Meloni expressed her determination not to be sidetracked by personal challenges, stating that those who sought to undermine her by targeting her personal life would not succeed.
Pollster Antonio Noto opined that while the affair might have minimal impact on voting intentions, it could potentially bolster Meloni's standing with the majority of the electorate. He noted that most social media comments had been favorable towards her.
Meloni and Giambruno, who first met in a TV studio in 2014, have a seven-year-old daughter together. Giambruno, 42, hosts a news program on Mediaset, a media group owned by the heirs of the late Silvio Berlusconi, a former prime minister and Meloni's political ally.
This week, a satirical current affairs show on Mediaset aired off-air video clips from Giambruno's program, revealing him using vulgar language, making inappropriate gestures, and seemingly making advances toward a female colleague.
In a separate audio recording played on Thursday, Giambruno is heard discussing an affair and suggesting to female colleagues that they can collaborate with him if they engage in group activities.
Giambruno had faced widespread criticism in August for comments widely seen as victim-blaming following a gang rape case. He was not immediately available for comment.
Later on Friday, Mediaset announced that Giambruno had agreed with the company to be temporarily removed from his program for the following week. Sources revealed that Mediaset is investigating Giambruno's conduct to ascertain whether he violated their internal code of conduct.
Marco Furfaro from the opposition Democratic Party condemned Giambruno's remarks, labeling them as "pure chauvinism and sexism... uncommentable filth."
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