Maria Rosaria Boccia, a 41-year-old influencer and businesswoman from Pompei, has found herself at the center of a growing controversy that threatens to destabilize Italy’s Ministry of Culture. The scandal revolves around her relationship with Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, with speculation mounting over her alleged involvement in government affairs and potential access to sensitive information. Despite Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly defending the minister, questions surrounding Boccia’s role remain unresolved.
The controversy gained momentum on August 26 when Boccia posted on Instagram, thanking Sangiuliano for appointing her as “Advisor for Major Events” within the Ministry. Although the Ministry quickly denied the appointment, Sangiuliano later acknowledged that he had considered her for the role but revoked the decision due to a conflict of interest. In a televised interview, the minister admitted to a personal relationship with Boccia, explaining that the appointment was withdrawn partly due to their romantic involvement.
Following the fallout, Boccia began releasing screenshots, emails, and audio recordings on social media that appeared to challenge the official narrative. Among these was a message from a ministry official referencing her nomination, fueling speculation that she had indeed been involved in ministerial matters. Adding to the intrigue, reports emerged of Boccia allegedly using Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to secretly record at Montecitorio, sparking concerns over potential leaks of sensitive information.
As the scandal continues to unfold, opposition parties are demanding clarity, while Meloni maintains her support for Sangiuliano, emphasizing that no public funds were spent on Boccia. However, the persistent drip of revelations from Boccia’s social media posts suggests that this saga is far from over, and the potential impact on the minister and the government remains to be seen.
