Fabrizio Corona files complaint against Mediaset for alleged extortion
Corona's lawyer says Mediaset sent letters to venue operators warning them about guest conduct, targeting the former paparazzi agent without naming him directly.
6 hrs ago
Fabrizio Corona has filed a complaint with Milan's prosecutor's office against Mediaset, alleging attempted extortion, according to his lawyer Ivano Chiesa.
The complaint centers on letters Mediaset sent to operators of public venues in recent days. According to Chiesa, the letters instructed venue managers to monitor guest conduct for potentially offensive behavior. While Corona's name does not appear in the missives, Chiesa said the reference to him is clear.
Fanpage reported on February 5 that it obtained an exclusive copy of a document Mediaset sent through law firm Studio Legale Gulotta Varischi Pino to venues scheduled to host Corona events. The document was addressed to Linea Eventi S.r.L., which manages Momento Club in Ghezzano, Pisa. Corona is scheduled to appear at an event there on Saturday, February 14, with advance ticket sales already underway.
Chiesa argued that the conduct demanded of venue operators is legally untenable. "How is it possible to ask a nightclub manager to prevent someone from saying what they want? How can you demand this conduct? What should they do, put a gag in his mouth?" Chiesa said in statements to media outlets.
The lawyer characterized Mediaset's letters as an attempt to silence Corona that infringes on freedom of expression. Chiesa stated that Corona is "very angry" and wants to pursue the complaint for attempted extortion or any other crime the prosecutor's office determines is applicable.
Corona attempted to return to social media platforms on February 5 but was again removed. His accounts had been suspended on Tuesday following violations related to copyright protection, personal dignity, privacy, and hate speech messaging, according to platform notifications.
Chiesa announced the complaint in a video posted to Instagram, explaining that the Mediaset letters represent "a serious attempt to silence him" that affects his right to free expression.
Mediaset has not publicly responded to the complaint as of February 5. Earlier reports indicated the company was evaluating whether to file a countersuit for defamation.
Corona has built a substantial social media following over the past year, appearing on platforms including Twitch, Telegram, Instagram, and YouTube. He has been frequently invited to nightclub events where his statements are recorded and shared online, generating viral content.