On Friday, La Stampa published an exclusive interview with Maria Rosaria Boccia, the woman at the center of a political storm involving Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano. This is Boccia’s first interview since the controversy erupted, which began after she posted a photo on August 26 thanking Sangiuliano for her appointment as “Advisor to the Minister for Major Events.” Following the post, the ministry issued a denial, sparking further media scrutiny.
Since then, Boccia has been actively sharing photos and screenshots on social media to substantiate her claim of involvement in ministry activities, escalating the case into a political debacle for the entire government. On Wednesday, Sangiuliano was compelled to address the situation publicly in an interview with TG1, where he admitted to having a relationship with Boccia. He reiterated that no public funds were used for her trips and mentioned that he had offered to resign, though his resignation was rejected by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
In her interview with La Stampa, Boccia provided a summary of her relationship with Sangiuliano and addressed some of the accusations directed at the minister. She commented on an Instagram post from Thursday, stating: “Today, I’m accused of being a blackmailer, but in reality, I didn’t create the blackmail. It’s those in power who wield it.” When asked by journalist Federico Monga about who she was referring to, Boccia mentioned “directors of magazines” but declined to name names.
Boccia did not elaborate further on her claims, though Sangiuliano had previously stated he was not subject to blackmail, although he admitted that “chats might emerge.” Regarding the content of these chats, Boccia claimed, “With someone I’m in a relationship with, we don’t exchange only innocent photos and emoticons. We discuss our daily personal lives. Sometimes, we might even exchange more provocative messages.”
In her interview, Boccia disputed Sangiuliano’s account of their initial meeting. She claimed they first met in August 2023 in Pompeii, at a presentation for the Italian cuisine UNESCO nomination, through mutual acquaintances, contrary to Sangiuliano’s assertion of meeting in May. She also stated that she had accompanied Sangiuliano on various official trips as an advisor for major events, although this role was never formalized.
Sangiuliano had previously explained that he intended to appoint Boccia as an advisor for major events on a voluntary basis but was advised against it due to a potential conflict of interest. He asserted that the appointment was blocked before the central budget office’s approval, making it null and void despite any signatures.
Recently, Boccia shared on Instagram photos that seemed to show her involvement in ministry affairs, including documents related to the upcoming G7 Culture summit in Campania. While Sangiuliano denied that Boccia had access to any sensitive G7 information, Boccia claimed in her La Stampa interview that she had received a confidential email from Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the Director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, detailing sensitive aspects of the G7 visit.
Additionally, Boccia alleged that she had seen a decree signed by Sangiuliano appointing her as an advisor for the G7, which was allegedly countersigned by the chief of staff in the minister’s presence. Sangiuliano had previously claimed that the contract was not countersigned.
Boccia also described traveling with Sangiuliano on various long trips, both official and personal. She recounted attending events like Coldplay and Il Volo concerts and other private engagements in Rome and Pompeii, where Sangiuliano reportedly wished to be present.
