"BellaMà," Rai launches internal investigation into Diaco

In relation to the testimonies and off-air audio recordings released in recent hours, concerning the atmosphere experienced within the program BellaMà, Rai has decided to launch an internal investigation aimed at verifying the truth and validity of the elements that have emerged. Rai announced this in a note. "The initiative – the company explains – is intended to ascertain what happened, guaranteeing maximum transparency and protecting the dignity and safety of all workers, collaborators, and guests operating in the Public Service productions." The Diaco case exploded following the interview with former priest Alberto Ravagnani, a contestant on Ballando con le Stelle, during the November 3rd episode of the program Bellamà on Rai2. It was a face-to-face confrontation during which the journalist and host pressed the former religious figure with increasingly personal and intimate questions, openly asking him about his sexual orientation: "Are you more attracted to women or men?" "You are putting me in a difficult position," Ravagnani replied, visibly uncomfortable. Diaco then asserted his right to ask direct questions to those who choose to share themselves publicly. This episode led to discussions about television bullying and criticism from media outlets, social media, and public figures. Milly Carlucci, the host of Ballando con le stelle on Saturday evenings on Rai1, was particularly exposed; after expressing her solidarity with Ravagnani, she engaged in a subsequent and sharp back-and-forth with Diaco. Then came the complaint from Codacons, with a formal request to Rai to suspend Bellamà and demand Diaco's resignation. Meanwhile, the host had apologized to Ravagnani, stating that he was simultaneously ready to defend himself in court if the limits of criticism were exceeded. As often happens, the controversy led to increased ratings for Bellamà. But the storm had not subsided. And to worsen the picture, there was the climate of tension, alleged humiliations, and off-air outbursts revealed by an investigation by Selvaggia Lucarelli, supported by testimonies from former contestants and people who worked on the show. Among the accounts is that of a certain Vanessa, a former contestant, who reported receiving insults and threats in front of other people. The woman claims that the tensions also involved her brother Francesco, who was eighteen at the time and part of the cast. It was this latter individual who allegedly recorded an off-air segment in which Diaco could be heard uttering the expressions "Bestie" and "Vi faccio neri." Both report alleged pressures and intimidations related to the use of phones and personal relationships. The investigation also includes the testimony of Raffaella Ruzzini, the former contestant who was the focus of the live reprimand case in 2023 for the expression "Che palle!" (What a pain!). The woman recounts being progressively marginalized from the show and leaving the program after receiving, according to her version, a request to publicly justify her departure with professional reasons. Other former cast and production members report witnessing episodes of tension, shouting, and attitudes they deem disproportionate. Some specify that they did not have personal conflicts with Diaco, but they describe a climate in which many would prefer not to intervene for fear of losing their space or compensation.