Two Italian commentators have been suspended for making comments on gender and racial discrimination. At the Fukuoka Swimming World Championships, Leon Duzzi will broadcast, provide commentary, report, and be an Italian commentator
During the commentary on the women's synchronized diving final at the Fukuoka World Swimming Championships in Japan, two Italian sports commentators made remarks about gender and racial discrimination against Dutch, Italian, and Chinese athletes. They have been suspended from work and have been requested by television stations to return to their home countries.
According to Reuters on July 18th, Italian Broadcasting Corporation decided to suspend two sports event commentators on July 17th for inappropriate remarks related to gender and racial discrimination during their commentary on the women's doubles diving final at the Fukuoka World Swimming Championships in Japan.
According to reports, sports event commentators Leonardo and Matsuki made suggestive comments on the appearance of female athletes during the live broadcast of the event. European news television reported that the two compared the appearance of Dutch and Italian contestants and made other "vulgar jokes that cannot be translated.".
In addition, the two commentators also imitated the Italian accent of Chinese speakers to mock Chinese athletes.
After receiving complaints from audiences and opposition politicians, Sergio, the CEO of Italian Broadcasting and Television Company, stated that he had initiated disciplinary proceedings against the two commentators and requested the company's sports director to deport them back from Japan.
Commentator Leonardo said in a letter to Italian media that he was not aware that he was live streaming and his remarks did not reflect his true views.
Reuters reported that this is not the first time Leonardo Duzzi's commentary has sparked controversy. In 2020, he was criticized for making gender discriminatory jokes about the surname of an Estonian rally driver on a program. In 2018, he was criticized and criticized by the Italian Broadcasting Corporation for posting birthday wishes to Hitler on Facebook.