Alberto Ravagnani breaks silence on Diaco interview at Ballando con le Stelle

The interview and the backlash

Alberto Ravagnani, a former priest competing on Ballando con le Stelle, was questioned about his sexual orientation during an interview on Rai2's BellaMà, hosted by Pierluigi Diaco. Rai News dates the broadcast to 3 November, while Fanpage gives 4 November. According to Fanpage, Diaco put direct questions to him, such as whether he liked women or men, and Ravagnani said he felt uncomfortable under that pressure. Diaco later told Le Iene that he knew what kind of interview it would be and that he was doing his job, after days of silence and a media storm. In his first comments to Fanpage, Ravagnani described the interview as a violent and unfair attack.

Ravagnani's account

Ravagnani said the week had been intense and that at first he believed he could manage the unexpected. Later, in the rehearsal room, he told his dance partner, choreographer Erica Martinelli, that he had felt embarrassed during the interview and had perceived a bit of violence in the attempt to force his privacy. He also said he had already been upset before going live because of episodes in the dressing room, without giving details. Invoking the Gospel, he told Martinelli that Jesus said not to give pearls to pigs, meaning there are contexts in which a person should not hand over parts of themselves. Ravagnani has turned down invitations to programmes such as Domenica In, and on air he explained his reasons:

“I don't feel at ease after what has happened. I have turned down several invitations to well-known programmes, and I prefer not to go at the moment.”

Carlucci opens the sixth episode

On Saturday 7 November, Milly Carlucci opened the sixth episode by stressing the trust between the show and its contestants, who share personal stories with the jury and the production team. She then addressed the case directly:

“When a member of the family is attacked, it is like attacking the entire family, and that is what we felt this week.”

Carlucci said the cast had closed around Ravagnani, not publicly but with solidarity and respect for him. Fanpage reports that she had already called the episode unacceptable the day after it happened, and she closed by saying the show would continue in the spirit of respect, education, welcome and affection.

Reactions in the studio

Ivan Zazzaroni denounced the interview on air after Ravagnani's performance:

“In 2026, sexual orientation cannot be either a question or an answer.”

Francesca Fialdini praised Ravagnani for staying respectful, steady and calm throughout the interview with Diaco, according to Fanpage. Alberto Matano said Ravagnani alone decides when to speak about his private life, and Barbara D'Urso praised his cool head. Ravagnani, for his part, said he was now dancing and that the rest would be seen.