Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Announces Separation from Partner Amid Controversy Over Sexist Comments
ROME, October 20: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has revealed that she has separated from her partner, television journalist Andrea Giambruno, who recently faced criticism for making sexist comments. The decision to part ways comes as Meloni marks her first year in office, leading a right-wing coalition government that champions traditional family values as one of its core policy principles.
Last month, Meloni expressed her belief that she should not be held responsible for Giambruno’s remarks and declared her intention not to address questions about his behavior in the future. Their separation was confirmed in a statement by the prime minister on her social media accounts.
“My relationship with Andrea Giambruno, which lasted almost 10 years, ends here,” Meloni announced. She acknowledged that their paths had been growing apart for some time and that it was now time to acknowledge the separation. She also emphasized her determination not to let difficulties in her private life distract her from her duties, stating, “All those who hoped to weaken me by striking me at home will have no success.”
The couple, who first met in a television studio in 2014, share a seven-year-old daughter.
Andrea Giambruno, aged 42, is the presenter of a news program broadcast by Mediaset, a part of the media conglomerate MFE, which is owned by the heirs of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Berlusconi is a political ally of Giorgia Meloni.
In recent weeks, Giambruno faced public criticism after a satirical current affairs television show, also aired on Mediaset, broadcast off-air video excerpts from his program. These clips showed him using offensive language, engaging in inappropriate gestures, and seemingly making advances to a female colleague.
In one excerpt, Giambruno is heard saying, “Why didn’t I meet you before?” to his female colleague. In a separate audio recording that surfaced, Giambruno is heard discussing an affair and suggesting that female colleagues can work with him if they participate in group sex.
In August, Giambruno had come under fire for comments that were widely perceived as victim-blaming during a gang rape case.
As of now, Andrea Giambruno has not provided any comments regarding the separation or the recent controversies.
Opposition politician Marco Furfaro of the Democratic Party strongly condemned Giambruno’s remarks, describing them as “pure chauvinism and sexism” and “uncommentable filth.” The issue has raised discussions about gender equality and the responsibility of public figures in relation to their personal actions and statements.
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