Italy’s state broadcaster, RAI, issued an apology Saturday to the Jewish community after an off-air remark advising producers to “avoid” the Israeli bobsleigh team was inadvertently broadcast during coverage of the Four-Man bobsleigh event at the Winter Olympics in Milan.
The incident occurred on RAI 2, with viewers reportedly hearing the instruction, “Let’s avoid crew number 21, which is the Israeli one,” followed by an incomplete sentence before the audio was cut. RAI CEO Giampaolo Rossi described the remark as a “serious” breach of the public broadcaster’s principles of impartiality, respect, and inclusion, and announced the launch of an internal inquiry to determine responsibility and potential disciplinary action.
The apology followed a week of turmoil at RAI, beginning with the resignation of the head of RAI Sport. Paolo Petrecca stepped down after his commentary during the Milano Cortina 2026 opening ceremony was widely criticized for numerous errors, prompting a revolt among the network’s journalists, according to reports.
RAI’s board of directors issued a separate statement condemning the remark as “unacceptable” and extending an apology to the Jewish community, the athletes involved, and viewers who were offended. The board’s statement emphasized the importance of upholding standards of inclusivity and respect within the organization.
Usigrai, the union representing RAI journalists, had previously stated that Petrecca’s opening ceremony commentary had caused a “serious blow” to the company’s credibility. His missteps included misidentifying venues and public figures, as well as making inappropriate comments about national teams.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of media coverage surrounding the Winter Olympics and international sporting events. RAI, as Italy’s largest media organization, operates national television, radio, and digital news services, making the incident particularly sensitive.
As of Saturday, RAI had not announced a timeline for the completion of its internal inquiry. The outcome of the inquiry and any subsequent disciplinary measures remain to be seen.
