Art & Books · Bisceglie and Rome
Michele Mari denies sexist remarks about late writer Murgia as Strega Prize finale nears
Three weeks before the final, Italy's top literary award is rocked by an alleged sexist outburst from the favourite, who insists the conversation was misrepresented.
AI text based on reports by Il Messaggero, Fanpage, Il Fatto Quotidiano and other publishers. Published . How it is made
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In brief
On 18 June, favourite Michele Mari reportedly said Michela Murgia was violent and intransigent because of her looks, and generalised about unattractive women.
Finalist Teresa Ciabatti, a close friend of Murgia, called the remarks unacceptable. The row was leaked and published by la Repubblica.
Mari issued a statement saying he never mentioned Murgia's appearance and the discussion was a private recall of a past misunderstanding; he apologised to Ciabatti.
Mari leads the preliminary vote with 280, followed by Nucci (242). The controversy could sway the final vote on 8 July, especially after Ciabatti skipped a tour event.
The Bellonci Foundation acknowledged the reports in a statement, while the promotional tour continues across Italy and Mexico.
- 18 JunAlleged derogatory remarks about Murgia made during van journey to Bisceglie; heated exchange with Ciabatti.
- 19 JunCiabatti misses tour event in Francavilla al Mare. Mari's denial published via Einaudi.
- 20 JunLa Repubblica and other media break the story; Bellonci Foundation issues a statement.
- 8 JulStrega Prize final ceremony scheduled at Campidoglio, Rome.
Incident on the tour
On 18 June, four of the six Strega Prize finalists were travelling in a van to Bisceglie as part of the promotional tour ahead of the 8 July finale in Rome. According to multiple reports, favourite Michele Mari, while talking with fellow finalist Elena Rui, made derogatory remarks about the late writer Michela Murgia. He allegedly said Murgia was "intransigent and violent because she was ugly" and that "all unsatisfied women who don't attract become angry." Teresa Ciabatti, a close friend of Murgia who died of cancer on 10 August 2023, intervened immediately.
“Your remarks are unacceptable and these words cause me great pain.”
The exchange, first published by la Repubblica, quickly spread through Italian literary circles, casting a shadow over the final stretch of the country's most prestigious book prize.
Denial and apology
Mari issued a public statement via his publisher Einaudi, denying he ever mentioned Murgia's appearance. He said he had merely recalled a past private misunderstanding with the Sardinian author and had no intention of offending her.
“In relation to the uncontrolled rumors circulating about my dispute with Teresa Ciabatti, I want to clarify that I have never spoken about Michela Murgia's physical appearance, nor would I ever have dared.”
The writer added that he and Ciabatti had since clarified the matter and he had apologised if any word had hurt her. Despite the stated reconciliation, Ciabatti skipped the tour event in Francavilla al Mare on 19 June.
Wider fallout
The controversy has potential to upend the final result. Mari entered the final-round selection with 280 votes, a clear lead. Matteo Nucci (242 votes) sits second, Bianca Pitzorno third, and Ciabatti fourth with about 180 votes. Mari's advantage could now erode if the voting body, already exposed to the leaked argument, shifts its support.
- Michele Mari
- 280
- Matteo Nucci
- 242
- Teresa Ciabatti
- 180
Data from the article text
Organisers Fondazione Maria e Goffredo Bellonci released a statement acknowledging the reports without assigning blame. The tour continues with stops in northern Italy and later Mexico City and Guadalajara before the finale at Campidoglio.
Timeline of the dispute
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Sources and context
- Il MessaggeroI veleni del premio Strega, ora Mari non è più il favorito
- FanpagePolemiche al Premio Strega, scontro Mari-Ciabatti su frasi sessiste contro Murgia: lo scrittore smentisce
- Il Fatto Quotidiano"Murgia era intransigente e violenta perché brutta, così sfogava così la sua rabbia", "Parole inaccettabili": scoppia la polemica per le parole di Mari a Ciabatti, caos al Premio Strega 2026
- Corriere della SeraMichele Mari "ha insultato Michela Murgia": bufera al premio Strega. La reazione di Ciabatti, lui nega e si scusa
- Michele Mari
- Strega Prize finalist, author of 'Il convitato di pietra' published by Einaudi; led preliminary votes with 280.
- Teresa Ciabatti
- Strega Prize finalist, author of 'Donnaregina' published by Mondadori; close friend of the late Michela Murgia.
- Michela Murgia
- Italian writer and activist who died on 10 August 2023; subject of the alleged derogatory comments.
- Elena Rui
- Strega Prize finalist, author of 'Vedove di Camus'; present during the van journey and conversation.
- Matteo Nucci
- Strega Prize finalist in second place with 242 votes, author of 'Platone. Una storia d'amore' published by Feltrinelli.
- Bianca Pitzorno
- Strega Prize finalist in third place, author of 'La sonnambula' published by Bompiani; unable to attend tour due to health.
- Places
- Rome, Guadalajara, Mexico, Milan
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