Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, has firmly denied any misuse of public funds in relation to his personal relationship with Maria Rosaria Boccia, a socialite and influencer. In an interview with TG1, Sangiuliano stated, “I never spent a single euro from the ministry on Ms. Boccia. I covered all her travel expenses with my personal credit card.” He emphasized that while their relationship was of an affectionate nature, no public resources were involved, and he remains “not blackmailable.”
Sangiuliano explained that after presenting evidence to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, including credit card statements and receipts, she asked him to continue in his role. “When I showed her the documents proving it was only a matter of gossip, without any sensitive information being leaked, she told me to move forward and clarify the situation,” the minister said. He also clarified that while he had considered appointing Boccia as an advisor for major events, he later retracted the nomination due to concerns over a conflict of interest.
The minister met Boccia during a political event for Fratelli d’Italia and noted that, while they developed a personal relationship, her participation in certain events posed a potential conflict. “I requested myself to halt her appointment after consulting with legal experts and my chief of staff,” he said, further explaining that no formal contract was ever signed or submitted to the central budget office.
Addressing concerns regarding any potential leaks related to the upcoming G7 Culture Summit, Sangiuliano assured the public that Boccia never had access to classified or sensitive information. He concluded by apologizing to his wife, Meloni, and his staff for any embarrassment the controversy may have caused.
