Placebo frontman Brian Molko charged with defamation of Italian PM Giorgia Meloni | Ents & Arts News

Placebo frontman Brian Molko is being charged with defamation after launching insults at Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a gig.

Brian Molko launched into a rant in Italian about Ms Meloni, who leads the far-right Brothers of Italy party, on stage at the Sonic Park festival in Turin in July 2023.

Speaking in front of around 5,000 fans, the frontman of the alternative rock band called the prime minister a “piece of s***” and described her as “fascist” and “racist”.

His remarks prompted cheers from the audience.

Prosecutors in Turin officially opened an investigation into Molko for “contempt of the institutions” in August 2023.

Reports in Italy say the justice ministry is now allowing prosecutors to move forward with legal proceedings.

He could be fined up to €5,000 (£4,300) if convicted.

Read more:
Singer gives update after being rushed to hospital
Passengers describe miracle escape from plane crash

Sky News has contacted the band’s representatives for comment.

Ms Meloni is no stranger to such court proceedings, having won a defamation lawsuit against journalist Roberto Saviano in 2023, who called her a “bastard” during a 2020 TV interview because of her anti-immigration policies.

The far-right leader has been a divisive figure since gaining power in 2022, with one of her most recent controversial moves being the passing of a law making it illegal for couples to travel abroad to have a baby via surrogacy.