Fedez Apologizes for Controversial Lyrics about Jannik Sinner
Italian rapper Fedez has apologized following the controversy generated by the publication of lyrics in which he mentioned tennis player Jannik Sinner. The lyrics of a new song, shared in an Instagram story, included a phrase that referenced Adolf Hitler’s accent when talking about Sinner, which led to accusations of inciting racial hatred.A Bolzano city councilor filed a formal complaint with the prosecutor’s office, arguing that the lyrics violated the Italian penal code, which punishes incitement to racial hatred and propaganda. Fedez, during a concert in Milan, explained that his intention was to pose a paradox about Italian athletes, but acknowledged that the result was unfortunate and publicly apologized. Councilman Giuseppe Martucci pointed out that the reference to “pure blood” recalled the Italian fascist propaganda of the 1930s, and that the mention of Hitler was unacceptable.I wanted to take a paradox and it went terribly wrong, about athletes who are born and raised in Italy but are often not considered Italian due to their skin color and apply it to the best athlete in Italy.
Fedez
Sinner, who has become Italy’s most popular athlete after winning four Grand Slam titles in the last two years, recently lost the US Open final to Carlos Alcaraz.I felt it was my duty to act and defend the founding values of our constitution. We cannot allow public figures to normalize language that evokes racism and hatred.
Giuseppe Martucci
This is not the first time Sinner has faced questions about his Italian identity.
Before winning his first Grand Slam title and not participating in the Davis Cup in September 2023, he was the subject of criticism. However, after his victory at the 2024 Australian Open, he was received as a national hero and met with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
