Rai launched an internal audit on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, targeting the afternoon program BellaMa’ and host Pierluigi Diaco following new allegations of aggressive behavior behind the scenes, according to Il Giornale d’Italia.
Rai investigates workplace dynamics on Rai 2 show
The network opened the review after receiving fresh reports from the Daytime Direction regarding workplace dynamics on the Rai 2 show. Despite the formal inquiry, the program remains on air and the host has not been suspended, as reported by Il Giornale d’Italia.
DayTime Director Angelo Mellone issued an apology on Nov. 6 for excessive tones during that segment, Il Fatto Quotidiano reported.
Allegations and Behind-the-Scenes Audio
The internal audit expanded after Selvaggia Lucarelli published audio recordings and testimonies from former cast members and extras alleging verbal abuse. Former cast members detailed insults, humiliation over minor matters, sexual remarks, threats to ruin careers, and demands for apologies on bended knee.
Codacons and AssoUrt submitted formal complaints to Agcom, the Privacy Garante, the Rai Parliamentary Watchdog, and the Rai Board of Directors, requesting a temporary suspension of the show. Diaco addressed the ongoing investigation during a broadcast, calling it the most difficult day of his personal and professional life.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Inquiry
Has Pierluigi Diaco been suspended from Rai?
No, the program remains scheduled through May, and the host has not faced suspension while the network conducts its internal audit, according to Il Giornale d’Italia.
What triggered the formal Rai audit?
The audit followed new signals from Daytime management and the publication of investigative audio files by Selvaggia Lucarelli detailing alleged workplace harassment on the set of BellaMa’.
What action did consumer groups take?
Codacons and AssoUrt filed formal requests with Agcom, the Privacy Garante, and Rai oversight bodies asking for a temporary suspension of the program and the resignation of the host.
Diaco defends questioning of Alberto Ravagnani's sexual orientation
The controversy intensified after Alberto Ravagnani appeared on the program on Nov. 3, where Diaco questioned the former priest extensively regarding his sexual orientation. Milly Carlucci described the treatment of Ravagnani as unacceptable and defended him as part of the Ballando con le Stelle family.
Diaco defended his line of questioning in a call with Le Iene, stating that asking an ex-priest about his attraction to men or women is natural since he published a book about his choice.
Ravagnani characterized the interview as a violent and unfair attack that caused his family severe distress. In response to the backlash, Angelo Mellone expressed regret and apologized to Ravagnani and the audience for excessive tones, while maintaining that challenging questions remain valid.
The internal audit could require several weeks of investigation before Chief Executive Officer Giampaolo Rossi and relevant structures evaluate potential disciplinary measures, as reported by Il Giornale d’Italia.
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