Brian Molko. Credit: Shutterstock, Sodel Vladyslav
Brian Molko, frontman of British rock band Placebo, has been officially charged with defamation in Italy after making controversial remarks about Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a concert in Turin, 2023.
While performing at the Sonic Park Festival in July 2023, Molko referred to Meloni as a “piece of s***, fascist, racist” in Italian, drawing cheers from the crowd of around 5,000 people. Shortly after, Meloni initiated legal action, leading prosecutors to investigate the case under the country’s defamation and contempt of institutions laws.
Italian Justice Ministry approves legal action against Brian Molko
On Monday, February 17, Italy’s Justice Ministry gave prosecutors in Turin the green light to proceed with the case against Molko. Under Italian law, defaming the government, parliament, courts, or military can result in a fine of up to €5,000 and an immediate summons to trial. While defamation charges can carry prison sentences of up to three years, reports have indicated that Molko is unlikely to face time behind bars. A spokesperson for Placebo declined to comment on the case.
Meloni’s history of legal action against critics
This is not the first time Meloni has taken legal action against public figures critical of her far-right government. In 2023, Italian journalist and Gomorrah author Roberto Saviano was ordered to pay Meloni €5,000 after calling her a “b******d” in response to her anti-immigration policies.
Meloni, who leads the nationalist Brothers of Italy party, has been a divisive figure since coming to power in 2022. Her government has enacted strict policies on immigration, abortion, and LGBTQ+ rights. Recently, she supported a ban on surrogacy for Italian citizens. In November 2024, a movement dubbed “No Meloni Day” led to protests against the prime minister in 35 cities. Over 200 students gathered in Piazza Castello, resulting in significant confrontations with police and leaving at least 15 officers injured.
The case against Molko has sparked debate over free speech in Italy, with critics arguing that Meloni’s use of defamation suits is a tool to silence opposition. Augusta Montaruli, a member of the Brothers of Italy party, defended the legal proceedings, stating, “We cannot let an international event that attracts so many people be ruined by filthy words which, amidst a general silence, aim to attack the institutions of the republic.” (Cited by Euronews.)
Molko, known for his androgynous style and bold lyrics on sexuality and mental health, has not responded publicly to the charges.
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