In a harrowing tale that has captured the attention of the public, Sophie Codegoni, a 23-year-old influencer with over a million followers, has bravely come forward to share her painful experience of stalking by her ex-partner, Alessandro Basciano. The Court of Cassation recently confirmed that Basciano, a DJ and former contestant on the reality show Grande Fratello Vip, must wear an electronic bracelet due to allegations of aggravated stalking against Codegoni. Furthermore, he is prohibited from approaching her and their daughter within 500 meters and from any form of communication.
Codegoni, who first met Basciano during the Grande Fratello Vip in 2021 when she was just 19 and he was 31, described her current situation as living in hell. "I often thought: why did I report him? It’s incredibly tough. I know I did the right thing, but I’m living an inferno," she told Corriere della Sera.
The couple's relationship began under the spotlight of reality television, but it quickly devolved into a nightmare filled with threats and psychological manipulation. Codegoni recounted how Basciano demanded to be her top priority, saying, "If I call, you need to drop everything. If you don’t answer on the first ring, I’ll cause a scene." Such behavior escalated to alarming levels, with Basciano reportedly sending her photos of her location and threatening to take their daughter away.
In December 2023, after enduring months of intimidation, Codegoni filed her first complaint against Basciano. However, in a misguided attempt to salvage their relationship, she returned to him, only to find that the situation had not improved. "I soon realized it would be another failure. I had my job and friends, which he found intolerable," she explained.
Things took a turn for the worse in November 2024 when Basciano allegedly assaulted one of Codegoni's friends and threatened her life. "He called me and said, 'I just beat up your friend; now I’m coming for you.' That day, I found the courage to report him again," she recalled. Following this incident, Basciano was arrested but was released after just 48 hours. This brief incarceration left Codegoni feeling vulnerable and doubted by the public. "He managed to make it seem like I was exaggerating. He presented screenshots of my positive comments about him while omitting everything else," she said, reflecting on the judgment she faced from others.
In a decisive move, Codegoni decided to cooperate fully with the authorities, handing over her phone for a thorough investigation. The Procura kept her phone for 48 hours, during which they reviewed three years of messages exchanged between her and Basciano. "When they returned my phone, my lawyers told me, 'We understand what you’ve been through; it’s worse than it seemed,'" she shared, emphasizing the gravity of her situation.
Now, Codegoni wears an emergency alert device provided by the Carabinieri, which allows her to summon help at the push of a button. "I feel more protected with this device. Before it arrived, I had to hire a bodyguard, but I couldn't afford it anymore," she explained, highlighting the financial burden that comes with seeking safety.
Despite the challenges, Codegoni continues to work and raise her daughter, Celine Blue, born in May 2023, as normally as possible. She tries to shield Celine from the turmoil, responding to her daughter's inquiries about her father with reassurance, saying, "Daddy is at work." Yet, the emotional toll is evident. "I feel empty; I cry all the time. Today, every word is a wound," she admitted. Moreover, she faces criticism from some who trivialize her experience, with comments suggesting that jealousy is a normal part of relationships. "Women write to me saying, 'What’s wrong with a little jealousy?' But I want to be clear: I’m not trying to destroy him; I just want to protect myself," she asserted.
Codegoni's story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic violence and the challenges faced by victims seeking justice. "The country understands these issues only after the worst happens. No woman stays in such situations by choice. If she doesn’t leave, it’s because she’s not in a clear state of mind. And these men never change," she emphasized, calling for greater awareness and respect for victims.
As the legal proceedings continue, Sophie Codegoni remains resolute in her fight for safety and justice, not just for herself but for all women who find themselves in similar situations. Her courage to speak out is a beacon of hope for those suffering in silence, encouraging them to seek help and assert their rights. With the legal system now engaged, Codegoni hopes for a resolution that will allow her to reclaim her life and ensure the safety of her daughter.
