Italian Political Figures Targeted in Doctored Image Scandal on Adult Website

A significant controversy has erupted in Italy following the discovery of manipulated images featuring prominent Italian women, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her sister Arianna, on an adult website. The images, accompanied by highly offensive and sexist commentary, have caused a substantial public outcry. The images, believed to have been appropriated from social media and other public sources, were altered and subsequently posted on Phica, an Italian adult platform with over 700,000 subscribers. The altered photos of female politicians, representing various political parties, were taken during public events, such as rallies and television appearances, as well as from personal vacation photographs. The modifications primarily involved close-ups of body parts and the portrayal of the women in sexually suggestive positions. These images were then featured in the website’s exclusive “VIP section.” In response to the scandal, members of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) have filed a formal legal complaint, and the police have launched an investigation. Other notable women, including Paola Cortellesi, an actor and filmmaker known for directing the Italian box-office hit about domestic violence, *C’è Ancora Domani* (*There’s Still Tomorrow*), and influencer Chiara Ferragni, were also targeted. PD politician Valeria Campagna, who initiated an official complaint, voiced her disgust, anger, and disappointment on Facebook, expressing her inability to stay silent. She elaborated, “Not just photos in a swimsuit but moments from my public and private life,” highlighting the accompanying sexist, vulgar, and violent comments. Campagna underscored the wider impact, stating, “I can’t stay silent because this story isn’t just about me. It’s about all of us. It’s about our right to be free, respected and to live without fear.”