Placebo’s lead vocalist Brian Molko is facing defamation charges following disparaging comments directed at Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a live performance.
During the Sonic Park festival in Turin in July 2023, Molko launched an impassioned tirade in Italian against Ms Meloni, who heads the far-right Brothers of Italy party.
Addressing an audience of approximately 5,000 attendees, the frontman referred to the prime minister as a “piece of s***,” labeling her as “fascist” and “racist.”
His statements elicited enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
In August 2023, prosecutors in Turin commenced an official inquiry into Molko for “disrespect towards institutions.”
Italian reports indicate that the justice ministry is now permitting prosecutors to advance the legal proceedings.
If found guilty, he may face a fine of up to €5,000 (£4,300).
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Sky News has reached out to the band’s representatives for a statement.
Ms Meloni is familiar with such legal challenges, having successfully pursued a defamation case against journalist Roberto Saviano in 2023, after he referred to her as a “bastard” during a 2020 television interview regarding her anti-immigration stance.
The far-right leader has remained a contentious figure since taking office in 2022, with her latest controversial action being the enactment of a law rendering it prohibited for couples to travel overseas for surrogacy.
