Pierluigi Diaco stated he is ready to clarify his professional choices with patience and awareness following an interview on Rai2’s BellaMa’ that sparked widespread criticism, corriere.it reported. The broadcast featured former priest Alberto Ravagnani, who was questioned about his intimate life and sexual orientation.
Diaco defended the interview approach by pointing to broader television trends. According to corriere.it, the host argued that daytime and infotainment programs frequently examine the private lives and sexual habits of crime victims and public figures alike, citing high-profile judicial cases and media scandals without drawing equivalent public outrage.
Rai Daytime Direction Issues Formal Apology
The controversy prompted an official intervention from Rai’s Daytime Entertainment Directorate, led by Angelo Mellone, Il Fatto Quotidiano reported. The network directorate expressed regret and formally apologized to the public and to Ravagnani for the tone of specific segments, deeming them excessive and unaligned with public service standards of balance and respect.
At the same time, the network defended the legitimacy of conducting probing and challenging interviews within journalistic bounds. Ilfattoquotidiano.it noted that the official statement attempted to balance the broadcaster’s commitment to cultural pluralism with the fundamental requirement to respect every interviewee’s personal dignity.
Journalist Bodies File Disciplinary Complaints
Professional journalism organizations responded sharply to the broadcast. The Commission for Equal Opportunities of the National Council of the Order of Journalists (CNOG), alongside GiULiA Giornaliste, criticized the questioning as inquisitorial and aggressive, according to an odg.it report. The groups announced plans to file a formal complaint with the competent disciplinary council.
RaiNews noted that Ravagnani appeared visibly uncomfortable during the segment, remarking to the host that he was being put in difficulty. Milly Carlucci, speaking on behalf of the production team for Ballando con le Stelle—where Ravagnani serves as a contestant—publicly labeled the broadcast unacceptable, la Repubblica reported.
‼ Pierluigi Diaco a #Bellamà risponde alle accuse di Milly Carlucci alla vicenda legata all'intervista di Ravagnani.#BallandoConLeStelle pic.twitter.com/tGR3RWfmxr
Public Clash Between Rai Hosts
The fallout extended into a televised dispute between network colleagues. Following Carlucci’s on-air remarks during La volta buona on Rai1, Diaco used his own platform to question the use of company airwaves to settle personal scores, according to la Repubblica.
Diaco maintained that his work speaks for itself while questioning the appropriateness of utilizing corporate resources to critique colleagues. The host stated he welcomes any formal review of how he conducted the interview, reiterating to corriere.it that he remains fully prepared to discuss his journalistic methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Broadcast Controversy
When did the controversial interview air on Rai2?
The interview was broadcast during the afternoon schedule on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, on the program BellaMa’, according to Il Fatto Quotidiano.
Who oversees the Rai department that issued the apology?
The Daytime Entertainment Directorate is led by Angelo Mellone, who directed the formal statement expressing regret on behalf of the network, as reported by Il Fatto Quotidiano.
What specific organizations announced disciplinary actions?
The Commission for Equal Opportunities of the National Council of the Order of Journalists (CNOG) and GiULiA Giornaliste stated they would present a formal complaint to the disciplinary council, according to odg.it.
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