Michele Mari remains in Strega Prize final after controversy over offensive remarks about Michela Murgia
The Fondazione Bellonci, organizer of Italy's top literary award, has ruled that author Michele Mari cannot be expelled from the 2026 competition after his alleged sexist comments about the late writer Michela Murgia.
The controversy
During a tour stop for the Strega finalists, Michele Mari reportedly made offensive remarks about the late writer Michela Murgia, saying she was embittered by her ugliness and used her power to vent frustration. The comments, which Mari later denied but were confirmed by sources present, sparked immediate backlash. Fellow finalist Teresa Ciabatti, a close friend of Murgia's, protested, and Mari subsequently sent her an apology.
The foundation's decision
On June 21, the Fondazione Bellonci issued a statement putting an end to speculation about a possible expulsion. The organizers made clear that the prize's regulations leave no room for such a move.
The Prize is a competition among works. For this reason, the regulation prescribes that not even the author, should they have consented to enter their work, may withdraw from the competition.
The foundation stressed that ownership of the award belongs to the 460 "Amici della Domenica", who nominate the candidates and determine the winner together with other jury members. The statement also distanced the institution from Mari's remarks, calling them inappropriate, but insisted the controversy has no bearing on the literary judgment or the continuation of the race.
Writers express themselves essentially through their books and we would like that at this moment the word returns to literature.
The finalists and the voting
With the decision made, the six-author shortlist for the 80th edition is confirmed. Mari's novel "I convitati di pietra" (Einaudi) is joined by Matteo Nucci's "Platone. Una storia d'amore", Bianca Pitzorno's "La sonnambula", Teresa Ciabatti's "Donnaregina", Alcide Pierantozzi's "Lo sbilico" and Elena Rui's "Vedove di Camus". A provisional vote tally released by some outlets shows Mari leading with 280 votes, ahead of Nucci at 242, Pitzorno at 195, Ciabatti at 184, Pierantozzi at 170 and Rui at 163.
- Michele Mari
- 280 votes
- Matteo Nucci
- 242 votes
- Bianca Pitzorno
- 195 votes
- Teresa Ciabatti
- 184 votes
- Alcide Pierantozzi
- 170 votes
- Elena Rui
- 163 votes
What comes next
The final ceremony will take place on July 8, 2026, at the Ninfeo di Villa Giulia in Rome. The foundation indicated that the incident on the tour van, while deemed unfortunate, does not change the course of the competition. The winner will be chosen by the combined vote of the Amici della Domenica and the broader jury.
