Laura Pausini is again revisiting her controversial refusal to sing ‘Bella Ciao’.
In a post on Twitter, in both Italian and Spanish, she attempted to clarify her reasoning once and for all, stressing two key points: that she did not want to sing a song that has been politically instrumentalised in the past, and, that at the same time, she condemns fascism.
“I want to explain my point of view after the controversy that has followed that day.
“In an impromptu, light-hearted and purely entertaining television situation, I chose not to sing a song that yes, is a hymn of freedom, but has also been instrumentalised several times over the years in different political contexts. As a woman first, artist second, I have always stood for freedom and the values associated with it. I abhor fascism and all forms of dictatorship. My music and my career have demonstrated the values I have always believed in.”
“I wanted,” writes Pausini, “to avoid being dragged and instrumentalised in such a heated and unpleasant campaign moment, unfortunately this was not the case. I respect my public and will continue to do so, with the freedom to choose how to express myself.”
