In a landmark legal ruling, Italian rapper Fabri Fibra has been ordered by the Supreme Court to pay 70,000 euros to singer Valerio Scanu, stemming from a defamation case linked to the lyrics of Fibra's song "A me di te." The ruling, confirmed on May 7, 2025, marks the culmination of a long-standing legal battle that began approximately 12 years ago.
The controversy centers around a portion of the lyrics from Fibra's 2013 track, which appeared on his album "Guerra e Pace." In the song, Fibra criticized the media and the music industry, using Scanu as an example, albeit indirectly. Despite the name being altered, Scanu faced a barrage of online insults after the song's release, which he claimed he was unaware of at the time.
Scanu, who gained fame after winning the Sanremo Festival in 2010 with his hit "Tutte le volte che," discussed the matter in detail during his appearance on the Rai program "La Volta Buona," hosted by Caterina Balivo. He recounted how, at just 22 years old, he found himself the target of vicious social media attacks, which left him confused and hurt. "I was constantly insulted online without understanding why," Scanu said. "Then I discovered the lyrics of 'A me di te,' where I was mentioned in an obscene context."
Initially, in 2015, Fibra was sentenced to pay a fine of 600 euros and a provisional payment of 20,000 euros following a complaint from Scanu. The Milan court later increased the amount to 70,000 euros, deducting the earlier payment. Scanu's legal journey included both criminal and civil proceedings, with the Supreme Court serving as the final arbiter to address any potential errors in the previous rulings.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Scanu explained, "All compensation-related matters concluded a few years ago in the appeal. The Supreme Court was the last stage to determine if there were any mistakes in the process." He emphasized that his motivation for pursuing the case was not financial but rather a matter of principle and respect for his dignity. "I don’t need the money; I am in a privileged position and earn well. This was about reclaiming my dignity," he stated.
During the interview, Scanu also addressed the ongoing insults he receives from online trolls, affirming his commitment to continue taking legal action against them. "The freedom of expression is fine as long as it does not harm the dignity of others," he remarked. "I still receive insults from keyboard warriors, and I will continue to sue them."
In a related discussion, Scanu was prompted by Balivo about his recent comments regarding fellow artist Tony Effe, whom he accused of lacking singing ability. Scanu clarified that Tony Effe himself had stated he is a rapper, not a singer, and humorously demonstrated his point by singing one of Effe's songs in a melodious manner. The studio audience responded with laughter and applause, highlighting the playful banter between the artists.
As for Fibra's perspective, he had previously commented on the controversy surrounding "A me di te." In a 2016 interview, he described the song as a lighthearted piece created in freestyle, meant to be humorous rather than taken seriously. Fibra stated, "The names in the lyrics are distorted to create a funny situation. I have always criticized certain types of characters who gain fame through media shortcuts. In my music, I express my views freely, but I understand that when such a text is presented in court, the outcome can be very different."
Despite the resolution of the legal dispute, Scanu's experience serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of artistic expression and its impact on individuals' lives. The case underscores the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the responsibility that comes with it, particularly when it involves public figures and their reputations.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the implications of this ruling may resonate beyond just the parties involved, prompting artists to consider the ramifications of their words in a digital age where social media can amplify both praise and criticism in equal measure. Scanu's journey reflects not only his resilience but also the ongoing dialogue about respect and accountability in the realm of artistic creativity.
In conclusion, the legal saga between Valerio Scanu and Fabri Fibra highlights the complexities of defamation in the music industry, raising important questions about the limits of artistic freedom and the protection of individual dignity in an age dominated by social media.
