Vittorio Sgarbi, a 71-year-old art historian, has been regularly sparking controversy in recent years and has been the subject of several investigations. He is particularly targeted by an Italian competition watchdog procedure which suspects him of having received payments for his services as a speaker, an activity forbidden for individuals belonging to the executive branch.
His relations with the media are terrible, as he tends to become easily upset and cannot control his language. A video shows him insulting journalists and wishing death upon them: *”If you die in a car accident, it makes me happy,”* he says.
*”I am known for my outbursts but I have no inclination towards cruelty and I don’t want anyone’s death,”* he assured on Friday. Vittorio Sgarbi, un historiador del arte de 71 años, ha estado provocando controversia regularmente en los últimos años y ha sido objeto de varias investigaciones.
Es especialmente señalado por un procedimiento del organismo de competencia italiano que lo sospecha de haber recibido pagos por sus servicios como conferencista, una actividad prohibida para personas pertenecientes al ejecutivo. Sus relaciones con los medios son terribles, ya que tiende a molestarse fácilmente y no puede controlar su lenguaje.
Un video lo muestra insultando a periodistas y deseándoles la muerte: *”Si mueren en un accidente automovilístico, me alegra,”* dice. *”Soy conocido por mis arrebatos, pero no tengo inclinación hacia la crueldad y no deseo la muerte de nadie,”* aseguró el viernes.