The war of words between Italy’s most controversial female comedian and a topless model-turned minister for equal opportunities in Silvio Berlusconi’s government looked set to become a courtroom battle on Thursday, with 1 million euros (US$1.4 million) in damages at stake.
Sabina Guzzanti revealed that she is being sued by Mara Carfagna, the former model and TV showgirl, after joking that Carfagna, 32, got her job as minister by indulging in an explicit sexual act with Berlusconi.
Rumor has been rife in the Italian press about Carfagna’s relationship with Berlusconi after the prime minister quipped last year: “If I was not already married I would have married her immediately.”
The quip prompted Berlusconi’s wife, Veronica, to demand an apology in a letter to an Italian newspaper, an apology her husband promptly gave.
Rumors have suggested that wire-taps allegedly conducted in a separate inquiry by an Italian magistrate pointed to a relationship between Berlusconi and Carfagna. The Italian prime minister has denied the claims.
Guzzanti, 45, has long been a thorn in the prime minister’s side, earning an unofficial boycott by Italian state television for her pains.
She took aim at Carfagna during a leftwing rally in July, as well as criticizing pope Benedict, claiming: “In 20 years [the former Cardinal Joseph] Ratzinger will be dead and will end up in hell, tormented by queer demons — not passive ones, but very active ones.”
Plans by magistrates to prosecute her for attacking the pope were dropped, but Carfagna has been less forgiving, the comedian revealed on her blog on Thursday.
However, the comic remained defiant, writing that Carfagna’s scantily clad appearance in photographic calendars was enough to make her unsuitable for her new ministerial role.
“By putting Carfagna at the ministry for equal opportunities, Berlusconi has offended every Italian woman yet again, and in conclusive fashion,” Guzzanti said.
Appearing on Italian television on Wednesday, the minister said the rumor-mongering about her and Berlusconi proved she was the victim of a sexist campaign.
“If a woman builds a career she is suspected of having sought shortcuts and received favors while people believe that men who go far deserve it,” she said.
She then hit back at Guzzanti, accusing her of being “mentally fragile.”
Guzzanti said on Thursday she would now consider counter-suing Carfagna for the statement.
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