Placebo's Brian Molko Charged with Defamation Against Italy's Meloni

Brian Molko, the frontman of the British band Placebo, is facing criminal charges in Italy for remarks made during a July 2023 concert where he called Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a 'piece of shit, fascist, racist.' The Italian justice ministry has approved legal proceedings against Molko for 'contempt of the institutions,' which could result in a fine ranging from €1,000 to €5,000. Meloni, who leads a right-wing government noted for its nationalist policies, has previously been involved in multiple defamation lawsuits since taking office in 2022. Molko's comments occurred during Placebo's performance at the Sonic Park festival in Turin, where he received applause from the audience. The incident has sparked discussions about the increasing legal actions against public figures in Italy under Meloni's administration. Critics argue that such lawsuits pose a threat to artistic expression and political dissent in the country.