Evelina Sgarbi, daughter of the renowned art critic Vittorio Sgarbi, opened up about her father's severe health struggles during a heartfelt appearance on the Italian television show 'La Volta Buona' on March 27, 2025. Her father has been hospitalized at the Policlinico Gemelli in Rome for over ten days, battling a debilitating depression that has left him in a concerning state.
"He is very unwell," Evelina stated, her voice filled with emotion as she described the shock of seeing her father in such a fragile condition. Having not seen him since November 2024, the reunion was both anticipated and painful. "I didn't think the situation was this grave, and it was heavy to see him like that," she admitted, highlighting the stark contrast between the vibrant man known to the public and the fragile individual she encountered.
Vittorio Sgarbi, a prominent figure in the art world and a former undersecretary of culture, has reportedly been struggling with severe depression, which has led to a refusal to eat. Evelina recounted how her father's condition had deteriorated to the point where he was often confined to his bed and unresponsive to calls and messages. "He hasn’t answered the phone in months. The majority of messages go unread. He used to respond after a couple of calls, but now it’s been zero for months," she said, reflecting on the emotional distance that had grown between them.
During her visit, Evelina noted a small but significant improvement: her father had expressed a desire to eat. "Today he wanted to be fed, and that’s already a step forward. He seems to have gained some weight," she reported, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the dire circumstances. However, she also expressed concern over the adequacy of his current treatment, suggesting that he should be transferred to a specialized psychiatric facility. "I think it’s time to move him to a place that focuses solely on psychiatric care. Treating him as if he were in physical rehabilitation isn’t the right strategy," she stated, emphasizing the need for targeted mental health support.
Vittorio Sgarbi had previously discussed his mental health struggles in an interview with La Repubblica, where he candidly acknowledged his ongoing battle with depression. He described it as a condition that affected him both morally and physically, stating, "My current melancholy or depression is a moral and physical state that I cannot avoid. Just as we have a body, there are also the shadows of the mind, thoughts, and ghosts that are with us and that I cannot drive away." This admission showcased a level of vulnerability that was not typically associated with the fiery intellectual known for his outspoken opinions.
The relationship between Evelina and her father has been complex, shaped by both love and conflict. Evelina, born from a brief relationship, has often found herself in the public eye due to her father's controversial remarks. Their relationship became strained when she declined an offer to participate in the reality show Grande Fratello Vip, a decision that infuriated her father. "He felt I could have earned significant money without effort. For a girl my age, turning down such an offer is like spitting on money," he remarked in an interview. This rejection led to a period of silence between them, exacerbated by her father's refusal to support her education at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni in Milan.
Despite the tumultuous past, Evelina's recent visit marked a turning point in their relationship. "Now we have reconnected. He wants to see me succeed," she shared, expressing hope for her father's recovery. She emphasized that the family is rallying around him during this difficult time, stating, "We are all close to him, and I hope he can pull through this moment. He has the strength to overcome it." As she spoke, it was clear that while the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, there remains a strong bond between father and daughter, one that they are both willing to fight for.
Evelina's emotional account sheds light on the often hidden struggles of mental health, particularly among public figures who may feel pressured to maintain a facade of strength. The Sgarbi family's journey through this difficult period serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of mental illness. As they navigate these trying times, the hope is that Vittorio Sgarbi will find the support he needs to reclaim his vitality and passion for life.
