Placebo frontman and guitarist Brian Molko, never one to shy away from weighing in on political or social issues, has come under investigation by Italian law authorities. It follows comments Molko made during a festival in Italy, where he allegedly referred to the country’s Prime Minister as ‘fascist’ and racist.’
Placebo Singer Brian Molko Under Investigation in Italy After Calling Country’s Prime Minister ‘Fascist’ and ‘Racist’ https://t.co/YxPMzqiJMC
— Variety (@Variety) July 18, 2023
Prosecutors based in Turin, Italy have opened an investigation into Molko’s comments after Placebo performed at the Sonic Park Festival in Stupinigi last week. Molko’s comments were directed at Italy’s current serving Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni who is the leader of the far right party Brothers of Italy-a political organisation with foundations linking back to fascist leader Benito Mussolini. Observers and critics have branded Meloni a far-right neo-fascist but the Italian Prime Minister has consistently denied this association.
During the band’s set, Molko let the crowd know his opinions of the leader, shouting in Italian, “Giorgia Meloni, piece of shit, fascist, racist.” These remarks have landed the singer in hot water in the Mediterranean country with the judicial arm of the nation now seeking an investigation into the comments.
Italy have instituted a criminal code that prohibits the public defamation of the Republic and is punishable with a fine ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 Euros. The law covers any defamation made toward the government, parliament, the courts or the army. Italy has, since 2013, revised their criminal defamation laws to fall more in line with European Union standards and defamation no longer carries a term of imprisonment-although the country’s defamation laws still bear some criticisms from the EU.
Giorgia Meloni leads Italy’s most right-wing coalition government since the second world war https://t.co/929nSNjHXK
— NME (@NME) July 18, 2023
Neither Placebo, their representatives or the authorities in Turin have commented on the investigation however, members of Meloni’s party have demanded an apology from the band. Brothers of Italy politician Augusta Montaruli said, “we cannot let an international event that attracts so many people (to Italy) be ruined by filthy words which, amidst a general silence, aim to attack the institutions of the republic.” Molko and Placebo’s fans have supported the singer.
based brian molkopic.twitter.com/zkHDr9tuNe
— NoFixedAdobe (@NoFixedAdobe) July 18, 2023
Late last year, Molko and Placebo requested via social media, that fans who attend live performances refrain from recording them on their phones. The band issued a plea to their supporters to enjoy the event in the moment and, last month while the band were playing in Dublin, Molko even halted the show to remind concert goers to adhere to their no phones policy. Video recordings of the comments made by Molko at Sonic Park Festival have found their way onto the internet despite the band’s request for no filming.
