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MILAN – The Cortina Winter Olympics will begin on Monday, but the inclusion of rapper Galli has sparked criticism in his native Italy.
Posted on January 31, 2026
The inclusion of Italian rapper Galli in the lineup of performers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Milan, has sparked a controversy in Italy.
The artist, who was born in Milan to Tunisian parents, was criticized in Italy for commenting on Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza.
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Who is criticizing Galli for participating in the Winter Olympics?
Members of Italy’s right-wing League party, which belongs to Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni’s government, criticized Galli’s choice to perform at the February 6 event at the San Siro stadium.
What statements about Israel has Ghali been criticized for?
Two years ago, Ghali was at the center of a political row in the popular Sanremo song competition when he called for “stop genocide” over Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza.
In comments to Italian media, a League party source described Ghali as a “pro-Palestinian fanatic” who hates Israel and the center-right.
Will Gary’s role in the Winter Olympics opening ceremony be controversial?
Sports Minister Andrea Abedi said he did not expect Gali to use the Olympic stage to make a political point.
“I’m not embarrassed to disagree with Galli’s views and the message he sent, but I believe that a country has to be able to absorb the impact of an artist who has expressed a point of view that we disagree with that would not be expressed on that stage,” he said.
What other names will join Gali to open the Milan Cortino Games?
Galli has not commented on the controversy, but he may be able to appeal to younger audiences more than other performers at the opening ceremony, including tenor Andrea Bocelli and American pop star Mariah Carey.
French-Malian pop star Aya Nakamura has been subjected to racist abuse online because she will sing at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
