On May 5, 2025, the Italian television landscape was stirred when popular journalist Monica Setta expressed her discontent over a parody of her on the show GialappaShow, aired on Tv8. The imitation, performed by actress Giulia Vecchio, portrayed Setta in an exaggerated and grotesque manner, which she found deeply offensive. "I look like the Incredible Hulk, they aged and deformed me," Setta lamented, highlighting her distress over the portrayal.
The backlash against Setta was swift, with a wave of online insults and threats following the broadcast. This prompted her to file a complaint with the Rome police against unknown individuals, underscoring the serious repercussions that such parodies can invoke in the digital age. "People were telling me I’m disgusting, that I look like a trans person, and that I should die. This scared me," Setta stated, reflecting on the harsh realities of social media.
While Setta acknowledged the artistic value of the Gialappa’s Band, she maintained that the focus on her physical appearance in the parody crossed a line. "It would have been enough to focus on imitating my character, my tone of voice. Instead, it went too far aesthetically," she emphasized. This incident has ignited a broader conversation about the boundaries of satire and the fine line between humor and personal attack.
In the aftermath, the discourse surrounding the parody intensified, with various public figures weighing in. Television host Gerry Scotti suggested that Setta should take the parody with more levity, saying, "Monica, isn’t it a bit exaggerated? Just laugh it off! Being imitated means you’re popular. The problem arises when no one imitates you anymore." Such comments reflect a common sentiment that satire is an integral part of the entertainment industry.
Despite the criticism, Setta's reaction has sparked a divide among audiences. Supporters argue that she has the right to defend her image and not be ridiculed for her appearance, while others believe that humor, especially in television, should be embraced. "It’s a grotesque caricature, and no one with common sense would take it as a faithful portrait," one supporter remarked.
In a surprising turn, Giulia Vecchio reached out to Setta after the parody aired to discuss the matter directly. In an interview, Vecchio revealed, "She called me, we talked, and she was very nice to me. She just expressed her concern about the image that might emerge from the parody." Vecchio explained that every parody is based on a careful study of the character, aiming for exaggeration to create a comedic effect. "Parodies tend to exaggerate traits to create a comic effect, and my intent was never to offend," she reassured.
Despite the initial misunderstandings, the dialogue between Vecchio and Setta remained civil. Vecchio emphasized the importance of recognizing the comedic intent behind parodies, while Setta continued to voice her discomfort with how she was portrayed. "I feel defamed by the parody, and I’ve worked for 40 years. What’s the need to defame my work by making me look like I’m putting my feet in the faces of interviewees?" Setta articulated her concerns in a candid interview.
The situation has also drawn comparisons to other television personalities. For instance, Milly Carlucci, another target of Vecchio's humor, responded positively to her parody, stating, "I like it a lot; she is delightful and very talented." Carlucci's enthusiastic response contrasts sharply with Setta's, highlighting the varied reactions to parody in the media.
As the conversation continues, Setta remains firm in her stance that while satire can be beneficial, the manner in which she was represented was extreme and damaging. "I believe satire has its place and should provoke thought, but when it distorts reality to this extent, it becomes problematic," she concluded.
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding humor in the entertainment industry, especially regarding personal portrayals. As audiences and creators navigate the delicate balance between comedy and respect, the ongoing dialogue will likely shape the future of satire on television.
Ultimately, the outcome of this situation remains uncertain. Will Monica Setta find a way to embrace the spirit of parody, or will further discussions be necessary to clarify the boundaries of comedic expression? Only time will tell.
