Italian PM splits after husband criticized for allegedly sexist comments

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced this Friday (20) that she has separated from her television journalist partner Andrea Giambruno, who has been criticized in recent weeks for allegedly sexist comments. Meloni told reporters last month that she should not be judged by Giambruno’s statements and that in the future she would not answer questions about his behavior.

The separation comes as the 46-year-old prime minister celebrates her first year in office, heading a right-wing coalition government that defends the traditional family as one of its political hallmarks.

“My relationship with Andrea Giambruno, which lasted almost 10 years, ends here,” Meloni wrote on his social media accounts. “Our paths have diverged for some time, and the time has come to recognize that,” she added.

Meloni said he would not allow himself to be distracted by difficulties in his private life, stating that “all those who hoped to weaken me by attacking me at home” will not succeed.

The couple, who met in a TV studio in 2014, have a seven-year-old daughter.

Giambruno, 42, is the host of a news program broadcast by Mediaset, part of the MFE media group, owned by the heirs of the late Silvio Berlusconi, a former prime minister and Meloni ally.

This week, another satirical current affairs television program on Mediaset broadcast off-air video clips of Giambruno’s show, showing him using foul language, touching his crotch and appearing to make advances on a female colleague. “Why didn’t I meet you before?” he asks her.

In a second audio recording that aired on Thursday, Giambruno is heard talking about an affair and telling female colleagues that they can work with him if they participate in group sex.

In August, the TV journalist was widely criticized for comments interpreted by many as defaming the victim, following a case of gang rape.

Giambruno was not immediately available for comment.