Placebo’s Brian Molko Faces Defamation Charges for Criticizing Italian PM Giorgia Meloni

[Social Media]

 

Brian Molko, frontman of the alternative rock band Placebo, is facing defamation charges in Italy after making controversial remarks about Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a concert. The incident took place in July 2023 at the Sonic Park festival in Turin, where Molko addressed the crowd of around 5,000 fans in Italian, calling Meloni a “piece of s***” and labeling her “fascist” and “racist.” His comments were met with cheers from the audience but have now landed him in legal trouble.  

 

Following his remarks, Turin prosecutors launched an investigation in August 2023 on the grounds of “contempt of the institutions.” Now, according to reports from Italy, the country’s justice ministry has authorized prosecutors to proceed with legal action against the musician. If convicted, Molko could face a fine of up to €5,000 (£4,300). Representatives for Placebo have not yet commented on the case.  

 

Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, is no stranger to legal battles over defamation. In 2023, she won a lawsuit against journalist Roberto Saviano, who had called her a “bastard” during a 2020 television interview in response to her hardline anti-immigration stance. Since taking office in 2022, Meloni has been a polarizing figure in Italian politics. One of her most contentious policies includes a recently passed law criminalizing couples who travel abroad for surrogacy.  

 

The charges against Molko highlight the ongoing tensions between Italy’s right-wing government and public figures who openly criticize its policies. As the legal proceedings move forward, the case is likely to spark further debate on freedom of speech and political expression in Italy.

 

Based on a report by Sky News  2025-02-20

 

 

[Ajarnbrian]

Politicians should expect this, especially those who are controversial. Well said Brian.

[JonnyF]

Another clueless musician who thinks that following the false Woke narrative makes him appear edgy, intelligent and cool.

 

What a muppet. 

[Chomper Higgot]

How to take derogatory comments positively received by a crowd of 5000 and broadcast them to the whole nation and beyond.

 

Some folk have a natural genius for idiocy.

[ujayujay]

What's the point? Molko is right. Meloni is a pioneer of national socialism and racism, and is apparently becoming socially acceptable again... we see this all over the world!

[Photoguy21]

Why is she a racist? I didnt read that anywhere.

[Watawattana]

9 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

Brian Molko, frontman of the alternative rock band Placebo, is facing defamation charges in Italy after making controversial remarks about Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a concert. The incident took place in July 2023 at the Sonic Park festival in Turin, where Molko addressed the crowd of around 5,000 fans in Italian, calling Meloni a “piece of s***” and labeling her “fascist” and “racist.” His comments were met with cheers from the audience but have now landed him in legal trouble.  

 

 

Following his remarks, Turin prosecutors launched an investigation in August 2023 on the grounds of “contempt of the institutions.” Now, according to reports from Italy, the country’s justice ministry has authorized prosecutors to proceed with legal action against the musician. If convicted, Molko could face a fine of up to €5,000 (£4,300). Representatives for Placebo have not yet commented on the case.  

 

Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, is no stranger to legal battles over defamation. In 2023, she won a lawsuit against journalist Roberto Saviano, who had called her a “bastard” during a 2020 television interview in response to her hardline anti-immigration stance. Since taking office in 2022, Meloni has been a polarizing figure in Italian politics. One of her most contentious policies includes a recently passed law criminalizing couples who travel abroad for surrogacy.  

 

The charges against Molko highlight the ongoing tensions between Italy’s right-wing government and public figures who openly criticize its policies. As the legal proceedings move forward, the case is likely to spark further debate on freedom of speech and political expression in Italy.

 

Based on a report by Sky News  2025-02-20

 

 

So, the far right doesn't like free speech?  Pathetic.

 

But it does make me laugh.  Some western media hammers some asian countries about their free speech laws, whilst some western countries hammer individuals when they speak freely.

 

If me saying this might get me into trouble, then can I claim my name's Bob?

[JonnyF]

1 hour ago, Photoguy21 said:

Why is she a racist? I didnt read that anywhere.

 

No, she isn't a racist.

 

The left can't attack her actual beliefs, so they invent new beliefs for her in order to provide something to criticize.

 

After all, they know what she "really thinks". 😄

 

[Purdey]

Sounds like a case for ... JD Vance. Tell her about freedom of speech JD!

[thecyclist]

Appears Placebo isn't trendy anymore. Only 5000 at a concert. 

In their heyday it would have been at least 10 times that number. 

[DTL2014]

 

[Photoguy21]

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

No, she isn't a racist.

 

The left can't attack her actual beliefs, so they invent new beliefs for her in order to provide something to criticize.

 

After all, they know what she "really thinks". 😄

 

Exactly. She speaks what needs to be spoken. If people dont like it tough luck