According to reporting by Fabrizio Caccia in Corriere della Sera published on July 26, 2026, an explosive private audio message sent in 2021 by Report host Sigfrido Ranucci to journalist Valentina Pelliccia—in which Ranucci allegedly stated that “Even inside the Rai there is a bit of mafia, a bit of Freemasonry”—has triggered a wide-ranging summer controversy involving politicians, public figures, and legal investigations in Rome.
The Controversy Surrounding Valentina Pelliccia and Sigfrido Ranucci
The scandal centers on a 2021 voice message sent by Sigfrido Ranucci, the prominent host of Rai3’s investigative program Report, to journalist, influencer, and novelist Valentina Pelliccia, author of Zucchero filato. According to Corriere della Sera, the private audio file contained the assertion that “Even inside the Rai there is a bit of mafia, a bit of Freemasonry.” When contacted regarding the ensuing uproar, Pelliccia maintained a tight silence, stating via the outlet, “My lawyer does not want me to give interviews.” Writer Fulvio Abbate described the situation as “the mystery of the summer,” noting that Ranucci and Report had been drawn into a complex web of gossip and public figures.
Investigations Into Valter Lavitola and Clesio Tavares Gomes
The controversy intersects with an active probe by the Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office. Three weeks prior to the report, Valter Lavitola—patron of the Monteverde fish restaurant Cefalù Bistrò—was placed under investigation as the alleged mastermind behind a bomb threat directed at Ranucci. While Lavitola initially floated alternative theories to inquiring reporters ranging from carbon credits to Ranucci’s potential entry into politics, he has since ceased public comments, sending definitive WhatsApp messages asking not to be called, according to Corriere della Sera. Similarly, Lavitola’s factotum, Clesio Tavares Gomes, referred to by Abbate as “my friend El negro Zumbón,” faces investigation. Speaking from Cameroon through Corriere della Sera, Tavares Gomes stated, “I would like to say many things, but my lawyer doesn’t want to. I will only speak to the magistrates,” adding that he plans to return around August 5 after departing in October following the explosion incident in Campo Ascolano.
Did you know?
TikToker Rita De Crescenzo publicly stated that she trusts Clesio Tavares Gomes blindly, noting he was her bodyguard and stayed at her home just two days prior to the bomb incident.
Involvement of Public Figures and Political Critiques
TikToker Rita De Crescenzo defended Tavares Gomes, declaring she trusted him completely, while Maria Rosaria Boccia—noted for her involvement in the Sangiuliano case—voiced strong support for Sigfrido Ranucci. Boccia described Ranucci to Corriere della Sera as an intimate friend within her “magic circle,” stating that they communicate constantly and that she stands beside him amid political attacks.
De Gregorio characterized Lavitola as a charming man with significant financial resources who “brings trouble even with his breath,” while alleging that he sent documents regarding Lavitola’s business dealings to the Report newsroom in 2021 only to be met with “a silence of the grave.” De Gregorio added, “If Ranucci was so tied to Lavitola, it is evident that he had no interest in realizing the reality of the facts.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What started the recent controversy involving Sigfrido Ranucci?
The controversy was sparked by a 2021 private audio message sent by Ranucci to journalist Valentina Pelliccia, in which Ranucci allegedly remarked on internal dynamics within Rai.
Who is currently under investigation by the Rome Prosecutor’s Office?
According to Corriere della Sera, Valter Lavitola and his factotum Clesio Tavares Gomes are both under investigation in connection with the probe into a bomb threat targeting Ranucci.
What role do figures like Maria Rosaria Boccia and Rita De Crescenzo play?
Maria Rosaria Boccia has publicly defended Ranucci as a close friend, while Rita De Crescenzo has voiced support for Clesio Tavares Gomes, stating he previously worked as her bodyguard.