Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday said that she got separated from her partner and TV journalist Andrea Giambruno, who recently drew flak for his ‘inappropriate’ behaviour and sexist comments.
Meloni (46) celebrates her first year in the office as the head if the right-wing coalition government, which upholds traditional family as one of its policy hallmarks.
"My relationship with Andrea Giambruno, which lasted almost 10 years, ends here...Our paths have diverged for some time, and the time has come to acknowledge it," Meloni wrote on her social media accounts.
Meloni said she would not be distracted by difficulties in her private life, saying, "all those who hoped to weaken me by striking me at home," would have no success.
It was back in 2014, Meloni met her partner in a TV studio. They have a seven-year-old daughter.
Giambruno (42) is the presenter of a news programme transmitted by Mediaset of the MFE media group owned by the heirs of the late Silvio Berlusconi, a former prime minister and Meloni ally, reported Reuters.
An off-air broadcast video excerpts from Giambruno's programme was released by Mediaset satirical current affairs that shows him using foul language and touching his groin. He was also seen making advances to a female colleague.
"Why didn't I meet you before?", he asks her.
In another audio recording aired on Thursday, Giambruno is heard talking about being in an affair and telling female colleagues they can work with him if they take part in group sex.
The TV journalist had been widely criticised in August for comments interpreted by many as victim-blaming, following a gang rape case. Opposition had attacked him over his inappropriate behaviour.
Meloni is currently in Egypt to participate in the Cairo international summit for peace in the Middle East.
