On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Belen Rodriguez made a memorable appearance on the Italian talk show 'Che tempo che fa,' hosted by Fabio Fazio, which quickly turned into a whirlwind of humor and awkward moments. The show, known for its engaging interviews, took an unexpected turn as Belen, now 40 and recently single after two decades, brought her signature provocativeness to the stage, leaving Fazio visibly flustered.
As Belen settled into her chair, she opened up about the significant changes in her life. "It's a moment of change for me," she stated, highlighting her recent transition to being single, her new hairstyle, and her milestone birthday. "I've changed networks, changed my haircut, and I'm feeling really good," she added, setting a lively tone for the interview.
However, the atmosphere shifted when the conversation turned to Belen's past career highlights, particularly her infamous appearance at the Sanremo Music Festival, where her butterfly tattoo was prominently displayed. Fazio, trying to steer the conversation, remarked, "How can we forget that..." to which Belen cheekily responded, "Who forgets it? I see it every day! I greet it, wash it, and even give it a scrub!" This playful banter seemed to catch Fazio off guard, prompting him to hastily change the subject.
The playful teasing continued when Belen leaned over the desk to plant a kiss on Fazio's cheek, further escalating the flirtatious vibe of the segment. Yet, the light-hearted mood took a serious turn when Belen spoke about her grandfather, who had passed away. She shared her fondness for the comedy of Bud Spencer and Terence Hill, noting, "They make me laugh because my grandfather used to watch them." Fazio, attempting to relate, made a gaffe by saying, "He’s about my age, by the way..." This prompted a quick retort from Belen, who reminded him, "Actually, he’s in heaven."
Fazio's attempt to recover from the situation fell flat, as he awkwardly said, "Well, he’s not far off." Belen, clearly unimpressed, chastised him, saying, "You made a terrible impression. I didn’t expect that from you! You should have considered that my grandfather might have passed away. It’s a delicate matter." The moment not only highlighted Fazio's discomfort but also sparked a wave of reactions on social media.
As clips from the interview circulated online, viewers took to platforms like Facebook and X, criticizing Fazio's behavior. Many labeled him as sexist, particularly in light of his comments while Belen was perched on his desk. "Do you want to get on the table?" he had asked, comparing her to his previous guest, Luciana Littizzetto, in a bid to draw a humorous contrast. His follow-up remark, asking Belen to read a letter 'nice and long,' further fueled the backlash.
Reactions among the audience were sharply divided. Some found Fazio's jokes amusing and fitting with Belen's provocative persona, which she herself acknowledged by saying, "I like to stir the pot a little." Others, however, found his comments inappropriate, arguing that he reduced Belen to her looks rather than appreciating her career and personality. This dichotomy in audience response underscored the challenges of navigating humor in a talk show format, especially when dealing with sensitive topics.
The backlash intensified with the gaffe regarding Belen's grandfather, amplifying perceptions of Fazio's struggle to maintain his usual composure during the interview. Critics noted that viewers expected a more respectful treatment of Belen, especially given Fazio's public stance against patriarchal norms in media. Some expressed disappointment, suggesting that Fazio should have approached the interview with a more thoughtful demeanor, particularly in light of his past advocacy for equality.
Despite the controversy, Belen managed to keep the atmosphere light, laughing off the awkwardness and continuing to engage with Fazio. The interview concluded with a mix of laughter and lingering tension, leaving viewers with a memorable, albeit uncomfortable, segment that highlighted both the charm and pitfalls of live television.
In the aftermath, social media continued to buzz with discussions about the interview, with many users dissecting the dynamics between Fazio and Belen. Some called for a reevaluation of how male hosts interact with female guests, especially in light of the ongoing conversations about sexism in media. As the dust settled, it was clear that Belen Rodriguez had not only made a splash on 'Che tempo che fa' but had also reignited a broader dialogue about respect and representation in the entertainment industry.
Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in talk show interviews, where humor must be carefully navigated to avoid crossing lines that could lead to public backlash. As viewers reflect on the interaction, the incident underscores the need for hosts to remain mindful of their words and the impact they can have, particularly when addressing sensitive subjects.
