Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has publicly condemned an adult website that unauthorizedly featured images of women, including herself. The uproar comes in the wake of a growing national concern regarding online misogyny and abuse. Following extensive criticism and legal actions, the website, which plays on a vulgar Italian slang term, was taken down on Thursday, local time.
In a statement to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Meloni described the situation as “disgusting,” expressing her solidarity with all women impacted by the forum’s actions. She stated, “I want to express my solidarity and closeness to all the women who have been offended, insulted, and violated in their intimacy by the administrators of this forum and its ‘users.'”
The controversial website had been operational since 2005 and boasted over 200,000 registered members. It faced heightened scrutiny this week due to a surge in media attention surrounding misogynistic online abuse. Earlier in March, Facebook took down a group named My Wife, where users shared intimate photos of women without their consent. This group had amassed more than 32,000 members before its closure.
A spokesperson for Meta, Facebook’s parent company, clarified that the decision followed violations of the platform’s policies against the sexual exploitation of adults. Meloni remarked, “It is disheartening to see that in 2025, there are still those who consider it normal and legitimate to trample on a woman’s dignity and make her the object of sexist and vulgar insults, hiding behind anonymity or a keyboard.”
Furthermore, Alessandra Moretti, an Italian lawmaker, has filed a criminal complaint against the adult website. As Italy’s first female prime minister, Meloni is navigating a complex political landscape, which includes addressing the cultural and legal frameworks surrounding women’s rights. Moretti emphasized that such websites “incite rape and violence,” urging more stringent actions against similar platforms.
In response to these incidents, Eugenia Roccella, Italy’s Equality Minister, stated that the government is committed to enhancing online protections and pursuing cultural reforms to combat misogyny and sexism. The adult website reportedly hosted thousands of manipulated images and videos of female public figures, often paired with obscene and violent commentary. Additionally, it classified ordinary women by geographical location, further objectifying its subjects.
The website’s administrators announced its closure “with great regret,” citing “toxic behaviours” that had “damaged the original spirit” of the platform. The swift action taken against the site reflects a broader societal pushback against online exploitation and abuse, underscoring the need for ongoing dialogue and reform in protecting women’s rights in the digital age.
