Ema Stokholma, a prominent radio host and television personality, opened up about her tumultuous past during an emotional interview on the Italian talk show Verissimo on March 29, 2025. The candid conversation with host Silvia Toffanin touched on her difficult childhood, her relationships, and her journey towards self-acceptance.
Stokholma, who has made a name for herself in the media industry, began by recounting her challenging upbringing, marked by a violent relationship with her mother. "My mother was a lonely woman with many problems and psychological difficulties. I remember much suffering and loneliness during my childhood," she shared, reflecting on the impact of her early experiences. Stokholma described how, as a child, she thought violence was a normal language, influenced by her home environment. "I went through a phase where I acted out because I believed it was normal, but I soon realized that I didn’t need to hurt others to make my friends laugh," she explained.
Despite her painful past, Stokholma has worked hard to find happiness. "I’ve worked a lot to become a happy and enthusiastic woman today," she stated, emphasizing her commitment to personal growth. However, she admitted that she has not forgiven her mother, focusing instead on gaining awareness of her experiences. "Forgiveness has never been my goal; it’s all about understanding what happened and why," she said, expressing a newfound empathy towards her mother.
Stokholma also discussed her relationship with her father, describing it as distant and complicated. "My relationship with my father has always been strange, consisting mainly of messages rather than meaningful interactions," she said. She mentioned that when she ran away from her mother’s home, she initially tried to build a life with her father, but it ultimately did not work out. "I have effectively become my own father and mother," she remarked, highlighting her resilience in navigating family dynamics.
In the interview, Stokholma did not shy away from discussing her romantic life, particularly her recent breakup with dancer Angelo Madonia, whom she met during her participation in the television show Ballando con le stelle. "It was tough to get out of that relationship because you welcome someone into your home, and then they leave a void when they go," she shared. Stokholma emphasized that she has learned to appreciate her own company, stating, "From this last relationship, I learned that being alone is wonderful. I am currently single and focusing on myself. If someone is to enter my life, they need to understand and respect me as I am. Enough with the possessiveness and jealousy!"
Reflecting on her past relationships, Stokholma recounted her first great love, a French man, which brought her significant heartache when it ended. "I suffered a lot when it finished, and I realize I’m not very balanced in this regard," she confessed, pointing to her emotional struggles. She added, "People need to understand me, be patient, and not possessive; the more you hold me back, the more I rebel."
Throughout the interview, Stokholma expressed frustration with the public perception of her career, particularly the dismissive label of being "raccomandata" (well-connected or favored) that some social media users have placed on her. "After twenty years of hard work, it bothers me when people reduce my efforts to mere connections," she said, emphasizing her dedication to her craft.
Stokholma’s journey has not been without its challenges. She candidly addressed her struggles with mental health and her past use of drugs, stating, "I want to be well and happy, and when you’re truly suffering, you don’t want to go back to that place." Today, she feels empowered, declaring, "I feel strong, tough, and independent. I’m in a very beautiful and serene period of my life."
As the interview concluded, Stokholma reflected on the importance of family. "The man of my life is definitely my brother. He is my family, along with my friends," she stated, underscoring the support system she has built around herself.
In sharing her story, Ema Stokholma not only opened up about her personal struggles but also offered a message of resilience and self-acceptance, inspiring viewers who may be facing their own challenges.
