Vittorio Sgarbi, the renowned Italian art critic, is currently hospitalized at the Policlinico Gemelli in Rome due to severe depression and a refusal to eat. His daughter, Evelina Sgarbi, has publicly shared updates on her father's condition, revealing that she was deeply shocked to see him in such a fragile state during her visit on March 27, 2025.
In an emotional appearance on the TV program La Volta Buona, Evelina expressed her distress, stating, "I didn’t think the situation was so grave. It really shook me to see him like this. Everyone knows his vitality; seeing him immobile in bed was hard to bear." She described her father, who is 72 years old, as having lost a significant amount of weight and being very quiet. However, she noted a small but encouraging sign: "Today, he asked to be fed, which is a step forward." This request marks a change from his previous refusal to eat, a condition that had necessitated his hospitalization.
Evelina revealed that she had not seen her father since November 2024, as he had been unresponsive to messages and calls, even during the Christmas holidays. "It was difficult even to know where he was," she said. When she finally visited him, she found a man who had changed dramatically, appearing tired and withdrawn.
During her interview, Evelina suggested that her father might benefit from being moved to a specialized psychiatric facility. She argued, "Treating him as if he were a centenarian doesn’t make sense. He needs a center capable of addressing this illness at its root." She emphasized that while medical professionals are currently following a treatment plan, a dedicated mental health environment could provide the necessary continuity of care.
Reflecting on their relationship, Evelina recalled tensions with her father, particularly after she declined to participate in the reality show Grande Fratello. "Dad was very upset; he said I had pulled back from his world," she explained. This disagreement led to a personal and financial rift, with Sgarbi stopping his support for her education. "He told me I could support myself with the money from the reality show," she added. Despite these past conflicts, she expressed hope for reconciliation, saying, "I proposed we make a video together, and he accepted. I truly hope he can recover. He has the strength to do it, but he needs real help."
On the same day of her visit, Evelina reported that her father had shown some improvement, stating, "He has gained some weight, which is a sign of improvement." This development comes after a period marked by significant challenges for Sgarbi, including his resignation as Undersecretary of Culture and ongoing investigations related to his dealings with art.
Vittorio Sgarbi's struggles with mental health are not new; he has openly discussed his depression in the past. In a previous interview, he described his condition as "a moral and physical state that I cannot avoid," acknowledging the shadows of the mind that accompany him. His friend, Marcello Veneziani, offered words of encouragement, suggesting that Sgarbi could experience a personal renaissance, provided he confronts his inner demons.
Support for Sgarbi has also come from other public figures. On the program Bellamà on Rai2, host Pierluigi Diaco read a heartfelt letter to Sgarbi, stating, "Forza Vittorio, we want you back because we need to discuss and argue with you again. You are loved." Diaco acknowledged the depth of Sgarbi's intelligence and vitality, which have been crucial to his public persona. He described Sgarbi's current struggle as a dangerous and worrying depression, urging him to find the strength to overcome this dark period.
As the situation develops, many are watching closely, hoping for a positive turnaround for Sgarbi. His family and friends remain optimistic, believing that with the right support and treatment, he can regain his health and vitality. Evelina's commitment to her father's recovery is evident, and her public declarations reflect both concern and love for a man who has been a vibrant figure in the cultural landscape of Italy.
In the meantime, the public awaits further updates on Vittorio Sgarbi's condition, hoping for a swift return to form for the man known for his passionate discourse on art and culture.
