Rock star faces trial after calling Italian PM ‘fascist’

Brian Molko has been charged with defamation after a lawsuit from Georgia Meloni

The lead singer of rock band Placebo, Brian Molko, has been charged with defamation by the Italian state after calling Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a “fascist,” media outlets reported on Tuesday.

Meloni, who leads the national-conservative Brothers of Italy Party, sued Molko over comments he made in 2023. The 52-year-old British-American rock star branded the politician a “fascist, racist” and “piece of s**t” while performing at the Sonic Park music festival near the Italian city of Turin. He was charged with “contempt of the institutions” shortly after prosecutors launched a probe into the claims in August 2023.

FILE PHOTO: Brian Molko of Placebo band.

© Global Look Press / IMAGO/Stefan M. Prager

On Monday, Italy’s Justice Ministry reportedly authorized prosecutors in Turin to move forward with the legal proceedings. Molko is facing a fine and a direct summons to trial. Defaming the Italian government, parliament, courts, or army can carry a fine of up to €5,000 ($5,200).

According to a spokesperson for Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, as cited by The Guardian, Molko is unlikely to receive a custodial sentence despite the fact that public defamation carries a prison term of up to three years in accordance with Italian law.

@saporeditrash Brian Molko in Italia crea sempre il caos 💀 #giorgiameloni #brianmolko ♬ suono originale – Sapore di Trash

Molko made the insults to a crowd of 5,000 people, a year after Meloni’s party, which traces its heritage back to the Italian Socialist movement founded by allies of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, secured victory in the 2022 elections. Meloni’s anti-immigration stance and anti-LGBTQ views sparked criticism among the Italian opposition and political leaders across the EU.

READ MORE: Journalist fined for ‘body-shaming’ Meloni

The case against Molko is not the first litigation launched by Meloni for defamation. Last year, the Italian prime minister won a lawsuit against a journalist who was ordered to pay her €5,000 for mocking her on social media. In 2023, the Italian writer Roberto Saviano was fined €1,000 for calling Meloni a “bastard” while commenting on her views on immigration.