Vittorio Sgarbi's Vulgar Rant at MAXXI Sparks Outrage

On June 21, 2023, the MAXXI museum in Rome hosted a talk featuring art critic and Undersecretary of Culture Vittorio Sgarbi and singer-songwriter Morgan as part of the 'Estate al MAXXI' summer series. During the event, Sgarbi used vulgar and sexist language, including insults toward museum president Alessandro Giuli and derogatory remarks about women. He also recounted sexual anecdotes, claiming to have had up to nine sexual encounters per month and comparing himself to figures like Warren Beatty, John F. Kennedy, and Fidel Castro. The incident was captured on video and widely circulated online, prompting backlash. Museum employees, including 44 women, initially wrote a letter of protest to Giuli, but later issued a statement reaffirming their trust in the presidency. Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano condemned the behavior, stating that sexism and vulgarity are unacceptable in cultural institutions. Giuli apologized to staff and distanced himself from Sgarbi's remarks. The article was updated on July 2, 2023.