Meloni disavows AI video showing her throwing opponents to lions

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has distanced herself from an artificial intelligence-generated video that depicted her throwing opposition leaders to lions in an ancient Roman setting. The video was published by Roberto Vannacci, a former military officer and member of the European Parliament.

Meloni addressed the video on social media, stating, "I have read that some opposition figures are asking me to disassociate myself from a video created with artificial intelligence, disseminated by another opposition party, in which I appear without my consent. I do so without hesitation. That video does not reflect my way of being or my way of understanding political debate."

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I have read that some opposition figures are asking me to disassociate myself from a video created with artificial intelligence, disseminated by another opposition party, in which I appear without my consent. I do so without hesitation. That video does not reflect my way of being or my way of understanding political debate.

She emphasized her belief that "politics must be measured by ideas, consensus, and citizens' votes, never by intimidation, hatred, or violent representation of the adversary." Meloni also urged the left to be equally firm on issues currently under judicial scrutiny, rather than fueling an oppositional climate that she argued delegitimizes police and provides pretexts for violence.

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politics must be measured by ideas, consensus, and citizens' votes, never by intimidation, hatred, or violent representation of the adversary.

The controversial video showed Vannacci, dressed as a gladiator, receiving power symbols from Meloni, who was depicted in Roman attire. Opposition leaders Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party and Giuseppe Conte of the 5 Star Movement were shown tied to a post before being thrown to lions. Vannacci recently founded a new far-right party after leaving Matteo Salvini's League.

Meloni's statement comes amid ongoing protests and clashes with police in Bologna following the death of Abderrahim Fakir, 42, during a police intervention, highlighting a tense political climate in Italy.

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The condemnation of hate speech, of any incitement to violence, and of any form of political intimidation cannot be applied only when it serves the controversy of the moment. It must be applied always. Without exceptions. Without double standards.