ROME: Italy is outraged over Estonia’s Eurovision entry, accusing it of promoting offensive stereotypes about Italians.
The song, “Espresso Macchiato,” is performed by rapper Tommy Cash in a mix of English and Italian.
His lyrics reference coffee, spaghetti, and the mafia, which many Italians find offensive and misleading.
Consumer association Codacons has urged Eurovision organizers to remove the song from the competition.
The three-minute track features exaggerated pronunciations and playful yet controversial lines about Italian culture.
Codacons argues the song portrays Italians unfairly and reinforces negative clichés about the country.
Lyrics Criticized
The lyrics include phrases like, “Ciao bella, I’m Tomaso, addicted to tobacco. Mi like mi coffè very importante.”
Another line states, “Mi money numeroso, I work around the clocko. That’s why I’m sweating like a mafioso.”
Cash also sings, “Life is like spaghetti, it’s hard until you make it,” continuing the song’s theme of Italian stereotypes.
The song’s music video shows Cash casually drinking coffee while performing the playful tune.
Eurovision’s official website describes him as an artist who blends “raw tenderness with twisted humor.”
Despite this, many Italians see the track as disrespectful rather than humorous or artistic.
Calls for Removal
Codacons has formally appealed to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to consider removing the song.
They argue it associates Italians with crime, wealth obsession, and cultural clichés.
Codacons compared the controversy to banning rap songs with sexist or offensive lyrics about women.
They believe Eurovision should uphold the same ethical standards when a song offends an entire nation.
The association’s statement urged the EBU to prevent misleading representations of Italy.
Codacons insists the track damages Italy’s reputation and misrepresents its people.
Political Reactions
Italian senator Gian Marco Centinaio also condemned the song, demanding its removal from Eurovision.
He suggested Tommy Cash should visit Italy to see how hardworking citizens live before writing such songs.
Centinaio criticized the artist for making money by mocking an entire culture.
He questioned whether this aligns with Eurovision’s values of European unity.
He expressed hope that the contest’s organizers would reconsider Cash’s participation.
Many Italians echoed his frustration, viewing the track as an insult rather than playful satire.
Divided Opinions
Social media reactions to the song have been mixed, with both criticism and praise.
Cash’s fans defended the song, claiming it was meant to be lighthearted rather than disrespectful.
However, many Italians insist that certain cultural themes should not be mocked.
Eurovision Participation
Tommy Cash won Estonia’s national selection, Eesti Laul, on February 15.
This victory secured his place in the Eurovision Song Contest held in Basel, Switzerland, in May.
Despite the backlash, he remains set to represent Estonia at the competition.
The EBU has yet to make a final decision regarding Codacons’ request for removal.
With the controversy still growing, it remains uncertain whether the song will be allowed to compete.
Eurovision officials are expected to address the matter in the coming weeks.
