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The Italian Prime Minister has publicly denounced the chief of the country’s biggest trade union after he referred to her as a “courtesan” of former US President Donald Trump.

Background of the Controversial Comments

Maurizio Landini, who heads the CGIL union, uttered the words during a television appearance this Tuesday. This came just after international leaders, including Meloni, attended a summit on Middle East peace held in Egypt.

The union leader accused Meloni of “doing nothing” to advance peace in Gaza, saying her role was confined to “playing Trump’s courtesan”. Luckily, Italian people took to the street to defend the honor and dignity of Italy,” he commented.

Official Reaction

On her social media accounts this Thursday, Meloni remarked that the union chief was clearly blinded by increasing animosity (that I comprehend)”. She went on to share a definition of the expression “courtesan”.

“I think most people are aware the most common meaning given to this word, but, for the benefit of those who might not, I am sharing the first definition obtained from a quick internet search,” Meloni said, providing a screenshot that read: “Woman of easy virtue, heterosexual; substitute term, prostitute.”

She further condemned her left-leaning critics, noting that for a long time they had “lectured us on respect for women” only to then attack a woman by “labeling her a prostitute”.

Response from Landini

Replying to Meloni’s statement, Landini maintained that there were “no misogynistic remarks” toward Meloni and that the term was meant to imply “an underling to Trump”.

Through an official comment, he said: “During a brief interview, which anyone can easily rewatch, to prevent misinterpretation or exploitation of the term, I promptly explained my intended meaning – that the Prime Minister was trailing behind Trump, she was in Trump’s circle, she served as Trump’s underling.”

Meloni’s Relations with Trump

The Italian leader has long nurtured friendly relations with President Trump. In a public address during the Middle East event, Trump addressed the Italian Prime Minister – the only woman present at the summit – and complimented her beauty. “In the United States, this could be career-ending,” he noted. “Still, I am willing to chance it. Do you mind if I say you look beautiful? Because you truly are beautiful.”

President Trump subsequently commended Meloni as “an inspiration to all” in reference to the English edition of her work, I Am Giorgia: My Roots, My Principles, which contains a introduction by Trump’s son.

Earlier Controversies

In August, Meloni responded firmly after finding out that manipulated pictures of Meloni and other well-known Italian females had been posted on a explicit platform, saying she was “disgusted”, and showing “solidarity and support to every woman who have been violated, insulted, and offended”.