The 2026 Sanremo Music Festival, Italy’s most-watched television event, is already facing a significant controversy just days before its official launch. Comedian Andrea Pucci has withdrawn from his planned co-hosting role following a wave of online backlash, turning what should be a celebration of Italian music into a national political debate.
Pucci, known for his character-driven comedy and regional Italian traditions, was slated to co-host the third night of the festival alongside Carlo Conti. However, the announcement of his participation triggered a fierce reaction on social media, with critics labeling him “fascist, homophobic, and racist,” according to reports. The intensity of the online attacks, and threats directed towards him and his family, ultimately led to his decision to step down.
“The insults, the threats, the epithets and so on, received by me and my family in these days are incomprehensible and unacceptable!” Pucci stated, explaining his decision. He described a “negative media wave” that fundamentally altered his relationship with the audience, making it impossible to perform as intended. He also made a pointed statement about the use of loaded terms, asserting, “In 2026 the term fascist should no longer exist.”
The situation quickly escalated beyond a simple social media dispute, drawing in prominent political figures. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was swift to express her solidarity with Pucci, condemning the “climate of intimidation and hatred” that she believes forced him to withdraw. In a post on Instagram, Meloni criticized what she described as an “illiberal drift” of the left, accusing the opposition of selectively embracing satire only when it targets their political adversaries, while simultaneously demanding censorship of dissenting voices.
Matteo Salvini, leader of the League, also voiced his support for Pucci, championing “the freedom of thought, of words, and of smile.” Deputy Prime Minister and Forza Italia leader Antonio Tajani labeled “political correctness” as the primary culprit in the affair, suggesting that it stifled artistic expression. Senator Ignazio La Russa publicly offered his support, stating he had called Pucci to express his closeness and encourage him to reconsider, while also defending the right to satire regardless of political leaning.
The controversy highlights a growing tension within Italian society regarding the boundaries of satire and the acceptable limits of political discourse. Pucci’s comedy often relies on regional stereotypes and playful mockery of societal norms, a style that, while popular with many, clearly offended a segment of the online population. The speed and ferocity of the backlash suggest a heightened sensitivity to perceived offenses and a willingness to publicly shame those deemed to have transgressed contemporary social norms.
The incident also raises questions about the role of social media in shaping public opinion and influencing cultural events. The immediate and overwhelming negativity directed at Pucci demonstrates the power of online platforms to amplify dissenting voices and create a hostile environment for public figures. The fact that the controversy quickly became a political football, with various parties using it to advance their own agendas, further underscores the complex interplay between entertainment, politics, and social media in modern Italy.
While Pucci has expressed gratitude to Carlo Conti and Rai, the public broadcaster, for their support, his withdrawal leaves a void in the Sanremo lineup. The festival, a cornerstone of Italian culture, is now grappling with the fallout from this unexpected crisis. The debate surrounding Pucci’s departure is likely to continue throughout the festival’s run, potentially overshadowing the musical performances and further politicizing an event traditionally focused on entertainment.
The situation also echoes broader concerns about the increasing pressure on artists to conform to specific ideological standards. The accusations leveled against Pucci, even before his performance, suggest a climate where creative expression is subject to intense scrutiny and potential censorship. Whether this incident represents an isolated case or a broader trend remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly serves as a cautionary tale for artists navigating the increasingly complex landscape of public opinion and political correctness.
As of , Rai has not announced a replacement for Pucci. The focus now shifts to how Conti will navigate the third night of the festival without his co-host, and whether the controversy will continue to dominate the narrative surrounding Sanremo 2026.
