On April 13, 2025, the Italian television show Domenica In featured an emotional and contentious episode centered around Gianna Orrù, the 87-year-old mother of showgirl Valeria Marini. The episode, hosted by Mara Venier, revealed the deep-seated tensions between mother and daughter, which have persisted since September 2024.
Gianna Orrù, who appeared on the show to discuss her life, shared the painful details of a significant fraud that left her reeling. She detailed how she was conned out of approximately 350,000 euros by Giuseppe Milazzo Andreani, a man who had posed as a legitimate investor. "I was a warrior of an innocence that knows no bounds. I can't forgive myself for being deceived," Gianna stated, reflecting on the emotional turmoil that has accompanied her financial loss.
During her appearance, Gianna expressed her frustration over the situation, saying, "I have been living this badly, with periods of withdrawal and depression." She explained how she initially invested 5,000 euros alongside Andreani, who promised lucrative returns from investments purportedly in Bitcoin. However, as she became more involved, she ended up transferring around 350,000 euros, believing she was making sound investments. It was only after Valeria hired a private investigator that the truth emerged: Andreani was a fraud and the investments were nonexistent.
Despite the gravity of her situation, Gianna's relationship with her daughter has been strained. Valeria, who has not spoken to her mother for months, was brought into the studio as a surprise by Venier in hopes of mending their relationship. However, the reunion was anything but warm. Gianna expressed her discontent at Valeria's appearance, stating, "No, this is not right. I stay out of respect for you, Mara, but I wouldn't have done this."
Valeria, visibly emotional, attempted to reach out to her mother, asking, "Mom, can you unblock me on your phone? I want to be close to you as your daughter." However, Gianna's response was harsh: "Stop it, be quiet for a moment." This exchange highlighted the deep rift between them, with Gianna adamant about keeping their private matters out of the public eye. "Private matters should remain private, and I don't approve of discussing them in newspapers or on television," she insisted.
Gianna recounted her sacrifices for Valeria, noting that she left her job to support her daughter in the entertainment industry. "I changed my life for her, and I regret it. I loved my job, and I was doing well. I was not unemployed," she reflected, emphasizing her feelings of resentment for having put her own life on hold.
As the conversation progressed, Gianna grew increasingly agitated, asserting that Valeria had betrayed her trust by discussing their family issues publicly. "While I kept quiet, she used my story to gain attention in the media," Gianna stated, her frustration palpable. Valeria, in turn, expressed her desire for reconciliation, stating, "If I made a mistake, I apologize. I didn't realize. I will always be there for you." Yet, Gianna remained unmoved, insisting that Valeria's public revelations had caused irreparable harm.
In a poignant moment, Valeria presented her mother with an olive branch as a symbol of peace, coinciding with Palm Sunday. However, Gianna dismissed the gesture, stating, "I'm not religious; it doesn't affect me." The tension in the studio was thick, and despite Venier's attempts to mediate, the conversation failed to produce any resolution.
As the episode drew to a close, viewers were left with a sense of unresolved conflict. Gianna's insistence on maintaining her privacy and her refusal to engage with Valeria's attempts at reconciliation underscored the complexities of their relationship. "If I speak, the ceiling will fall," Gianna declared, indicating her unwillingness to discuss their issues further.
The episode of Domenica In not only highlighted the personal struggles of Gianna Orrù but also served as a stark reminder of the challenges that can arise within families, especially when public life and personal matters collide. As both women left the studio without having addressed their differences, the audience was left wondering if reconciliation is possible for this mother-daughter duo.
