Italian magistrates have launched an investigation into whether Nicole Minetti, a former showgirl and ally of late prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, lied to secure a presidential pardon for her conviction in the “bunga bunga” sex party scandal. President Sergio Mattarella has publicly urged the justice ministry to review the case after a newspaper questioned key parts of her appeal.
Minetti was sentenced in 2019 to two years and 10 months in prison for procuring sex workers for Berlusconi’s parties, and later received an additional 13-month sentence for misuse of public funds. She avoided prison due to the cumulative sentence being under four years, but was required to perform community service. She appealed for a pardon, citing the poor health of her adopted child.
Il Fatto Quotidiano reported inconsistencies in her application, including claims that the child, said to be an orphan from Uruguay, had living parents who opposed the adoption. The newspaper also questioned whether the child’s medical needs truly prevented Minetti from serving her sentence. The Milan prosecutor general’s office has launched inquiries through Interpol into the allegations.
Opposition politicians have called for the resignation of Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, who recommended clemency. Minetti has denied the allegations, calling them unfounded and damaging to her family. The case has embarrassed both President Mattarella and the justice ministry, and magistrates have said they could revise their recommendation for a pardon once checks are completed.
