Amos Mosaner, the Olympic bronze medalist, has raised concerns over the unauthorized use of his image in a political video by the Democratic Party (PD) of Italy, prompting calls for its removal from circulation.
Amos Mosaner, a celebrated curling athlete who won a bronze medal at the Olympics, has publicly condemned the Democratic Party (PD) for using footage of himself and fellow athlete Stefania Constantini in a political campaign video without consent. The video was shared on the party's social media channels, promoting opposition to an upcoming referendum scheduled for March 22-23. Mosaner clarified that he was not informed beforehand about the use of his image and emphasized that he does not wish to be associated with any political initiatives, urging for the immediate removal of the video.
In his statement, Mosaner articulated his frustration regarding the appropriation of his sporting achievements for political messages, asserting that his dedication lies solely within the realm of sports. This incident has sparked significant backlash not just from Mosaner, but also from various sporting organizations, including Coni (Italian National Olympic Committee) and Federghiaccio (Italian Ice Sports Federation), which are demanding accountability and respect for athletes’ rights to control their image.
The reaction from the sports community highlights the sensitive intersection of sports and politics in Italy, where athletes are often seen as public figures capable of influencing public opinion. This incident raises broader questions about the ethical implications of using athletes' images in campaigning and the need for clearer guidelines governing consent in these scenarios. The outrage over this unauthorized video usage could lead to more stringent regulations regarding the representation of athletes in political contexts.
