"I'm sorry my sentence was misinterpreted, I was misunderstood." Amadeus at ANSA tries to throw water on the fire of the controversy raised by the words he addressed - during the Sanremo press conference - to Francesca Sofia Novello, girlfriend of Valentino Rossi, one of the women who will share the stage with him.
Presenting her, he said that "he chose her for beauty, but also for her ability to be next to a great man, taking a step back". Affirmations that have set fire to social media, with the multiplication of accusations of superficiality and sexism. "That 'step back' - explained Amadeus - was referring to Francesca's choice to stay out of the spotlight that inevitably are aimed at a champion like Valentino".
"Another girl might have been able to 'ride' so much popularity and instead Francesca chose to be more discreet, to remain more secluded," adds Amadeus to ANSA. "Among other things, Francesca herself thanked me, saying that it is just like this: 'Love, it seems that you have known me for years'. She too was amazed at the controversy." Moreover, he underlines, "I would have said the same about the companion of a famous woman". But Sanremo "is also this: I learned that we must be careful with every word".
The artistic director claims "sensitivity and respect for women as my wife, mother and daughter can testify". In general, he adds, "I have always had great attention to women's themes: it is no coincidence that I wanted many different women on stage, with different stories, roles, professions, experiences". No return to the 'valleys', a role that the festival has filed for years: "Each of them - assures the artistic director, who by the way is a testimonial for the fight against multiple sclerosis - will bring his sensitivity to the stage, there will be moments of leisure, fun, music, lightness, but also food for thought on social issues ". Above all, the violence against women, which on stage will not only involve - as announced - Rula Jebreal: "There will also be space for testimonies from ordinary people: I invited Gessica Notaro (the showgirl from Rimini scarred by acid in 2017 by her ex-boyfriend Edson Tavares, ed) and there is a good chance that he will come. "
