"We were late, many artists still had to sing, and four of them couldn't do it, in fact they will come back to me on Sunday. Imagine if I'm afraid to address the topic of migrants. I've done it many times. Now I've invited Dargen D'Amico broadcast next Sunday, I hope he comes."
Mara Venier says this in an exclusive interview with Corriere della Sera - today online and tomorrow on paper -, speaking for the first time about last Sunday's episode which sparked controversy due to the interruption of Dargen D'Amico and reading Roberto Sergio's statement.
Video Venier publishes the video of Ghali on Domenica In on Instagram
"Look, I am a Rai presenter. If the managing director of Rai asks me to read a statement, I do so. As for the content, perhaps someone does not agree with the condemnation of the massacre of 7 October? Of course, it is it is also necessary to remember the innocent victims of Gaza", Mara Venier, who lives in the ghetto in Rome, explains to Corriere.
"I know and am close to many people from the Jewish community. The first role I had as an actress was that of Vanda, a Jewish woman who committed suicide after the racial laws, in the film with Alida Valli, Diary of an Italian...".
"I cry for the mothers of Gaza who have lost their children, just as I cry for the Jewish women raped and taken hostage. I cry for all the civilian victims. And if there is anyone who is always concerned with the issue of violence against women I was sensitive and always gave space, that's me. I would like the hostages to be freed. And I would like the bombing of civilians to stop and a political solution to be found. I recognize myself in the words of Pope Francis, in his appeals for peace."
As for the criticism for not having artists speak: "Of course artists must be free to express themselves. But what they say can also be discussed. And all opinions should be represented. On Sunday Ghali was able to speak with complete freedom at my place, he responded to the criticisms of the Israeli ambassador, he concluded his reasoning without anyone interrupting him."
In an outburst she silenced the journalists: "I didn't silence anyone. The embarrassment wasn't because of the type of questions, but because of the rhythms, the time that passed, the artists who were there and had to sing...".
And he adds: "Sure. My discomfort was with the time, not with the questions. It is obvious that a question on immigration requires extensive reflection, a complex answer, which cannot be resolved in thirty seconds. Journalists have always been the welcome to my broadcasts, and they have always been free to ask the questions they deemed most appropriate. This also happened last Sunday: they asked Ghali from Gaza, Dargen D'Amico about migrants. There was a broadcast to complete , thirty singers to listen to.
I repeat: I'm sorry for having interrupted Dargen, I expect him on Sunday at my place."
Repubblica defines her as the "vestal of melonism", she is asked.
"I've cried a lot these days, but this definition really makes me smile. If I've been on TV for thirty years, it's because I've never supported a political party. I'm addressing the entire public, regardless of everyone's political ideas , and respecting them all. As a woman, I am happy that there is a woman Prime Minister. But I will continue to listen to all voices."
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