By: V4 Agency
A history professor at the University of Siena has called the leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party a “cow and a sow” in a live programme. His insults have triggered strong reactions on social media, as well as in politics.
“Listen to the insults of this gentleman against me and judge for yourself whether such a person is worthy to teach at the University,” Giorgia Meloni wrote in an entry on Twitter after Giovanni Gozzini, history professor at the University of Siena, called her “a cow, a sow” in a live radio show.
The broadcasting Controradio has distanced itself from Giovanni Gozzini’s statements made on one of its live shows, as well as from the language used by the professor.
“Our radio’s forty-five-year history speaks for itself. One of our main goals is to fight the barbarisation of language, and the other is to create gender equality,” the Florence-based radio said in a statement.
The professor’s remarks triggered strong reactions, with many speaking out for Georgia Meloni, including President Sergio Mattarella. “There is an insurmountable boundary between criticism and violence,” the head of state said.
“Violent insults must be strongly condemned, even more so if they are directed against a woman. Solidarity with Giorgia Meloni,” Mariastella Gelmini, the minister for Regional Affairs and Autonomies wrote on Twitter.
“Solidarity with my friend Giorgia Meloni for the savage insults received. We talk a lot about changing this country, let’s start by bringing the debate back to civilian tones, both inside and outside politics,” wrote Giovanni Toti, president of the region of Liguria.
“I strongly condemn the unpleasant statements made by Professor Gozzini to the esteemed Giorgia Meloni,” wrote Francesco Frati, rector at the University of Siena. He added that “the relevant bodies [of the university] are already investigating the case.”
Professor Gozzini apologised for using “inappropriate words” during the broadcast. “I apologise for the language I used,” he wrote in his statement, adding that “my apologies primarily go out to Giorgia Meloni and all those who felt offended.”