In a significant ruling from the Court of Turin, journalist Selvaggia Lucarelli has been ordered to pay a total of 80,000 euros in damages to Claudio Foti, a psychologist previously embroiled in the controversial Bibbiano case. This ruling comes after Lucarelli, alongside Marco Travaglio and Peter Gomez of the Fatto Quotidiano, was found guilty of defamation for five articles published between July 2019 and October 2020.
The court's decision, delivered on May 2, 2025, mandates that Lucarelli compensate Foti 65,000 euros, in addition to a separate fine of 15,000 euros specifically for defaming him. The ruling underscores the serious implications of media narratives and the responsibilities that come with them, especially when they can lead to reputational damage.
Foti, who was the former scientific director of the non-profit organization “Hansel e Gretel” in Moncalieri, had been accused of creating a system to manipulate children into fabricating stories of abuse, which ultimately led to their removal from families. However, he was acquitted in the investigation surrounding these allegations. The court's findings indicate that Lucarelli's articles contributed to a portrayal of Foti as guilty of heinous acts without substantial evidence.
Judge Claudia Gemelli noted that in two of the articles, the language was deliberately crafted to discredit Foti by linking him to tragic events, including suicides related to the case. In a third article, the judge remarked that the ridicule of Foti's professional work was exaggerated and sensationalized, demonstrating a clear intent to defame.
Foti's attorney, Luca Bauccio, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating, "The conviction of Selvaggia Lucarelli and Marco Travaglio for having repeatedly and stubbornly defamed Claudio Foti with as many as five articles signed by Lucarelli published in Il Fatto in one year is an act of justice and a conquest of civility." He emphasized that media should not transform into a platform for public shaming without due process.
In the aftermath of the ruling, Lucarelli announced her intention to appeal, reaffirming her stance on Foti and insisting that her views would not change due to the verdict. She stated, "No sentence will change my mind," and urged the public to wait for the completion of ongoing legal proceedings related to the Bibbiano case.
The controversy surrounding Bibbiano has been a contentious topic in Italy, with various public figures and media personalities weighing in on the matter. Some have criticized the sensationalist coverage that has characterized the case, arguing that it has led to a culture of fear and misinformation surrounding child protection issues.
Moreover, the court's ruling also requires Fatto Quotidiano to remove the five defamatory articles from its online archive. This decision reflects a growing recognition of the need for ethical standards in journalism, particularly regarding the treatment of individuals accused of serious crimes.
The case has drawn attention not only for its legal implications but also for the broader questions it raises about the role of the media in shaping public perception. The judge's comments highlight the potential dangers of sensationalized reporting, especially when it involves vulnerable individuals and sensitive topics.
As the legal battle continues, Foti's resolve to seek justice remains firm, with his lawyer indicating plans for further legal actions to ensure that the truth regarding the events in Bibbiano is fully revealed. This ongoing saga serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the responsibility to report accurately and fairly.
In conclusion, the ruling against Lucarelli marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse about media ethics and accountability. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor how it influences future reporting on similar sensitive issues, and whether it prompts a re-evaluation of journalistic practices in Italy.
