WATCH: Antonello Venditti Apologizes After Insulting Disabled Fan During Barletta Concert 2024
Italian singer Antonello Venditti found himself at the center of a social media storm following an incident during his concert in Barletta.
The altercation occurred when Venditti, mistaking the sounds made by a disabled fan for a protest, lashed out from the stage, inviting the person to come up if they had “the courage.”
The situation escalated when he made further insensitive remarks, stating, “There are no special boys, manners are one thing,” despite the audience’s growing discomfort.
Antonello Venditti Apologizes for Insulting Disabled Fan
The misunderstanding was quickly pointed out by one of Venditti’s assistants, who clarified that the sounds were made by Cinzia, a nearly 50-year-old disabled woman.
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Despite this, the singer continued his remarks, leading to widespread outrage as a video of the incident went viral.
In response to the backlash, Venditti promptly issued a public apology via a video on Facebook.
He expressed deep regret, stating,
“I’m not a monster, a stupid controversy is brewing for those who know me. I made a mistake… I thought it was a political protest to which I am accustomed.”
He emphasized his usual support for disabled individuals, noting the irony of the situation and his sorrow over the misunderstanding.
Cinzia’s parents, who were present at the concert, accepted Venditti’s apology, though they remarked that an onstage acknowledgement might have been more appropriate.
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They expressed their continued admiration for the singer and appreciated his personal apology via a phone call. “For us and our daughter, the problem does not exist,” they said, stressing that the incident was amplified by social media.
Despite the apologies and clarification, the incident has left a mark on Antonello Venditti’s reputation, with many criticizing the initial reaction and the handling of the situation.
However, the support from Cinzia’s family has helped to defuse some of the tension, allowing the focus to shift back to Antonello Venditti’s intent to make amends.
