Carlo Conti, the artistic director of the Sanremo Festival, addressed concerns regarding his decision to include comedian Andrea Pucci, emphasizing that he operates with complete autonomy and faced no interference from the government. He highlighted that artistic directors have the freedom to make their own choices without external pressure, a consistency he claims has been maintained across different administrations.

Conti's comments come in response to significant backlash on social media regarding Pucci's performances, which often attract a mix of criticism and praise due to the sensitive atmosphere surrounding the Festival. The inclusion of Pucci sparked a wave of public discussion, transforming an artistic choice into a broader media controversy. This situation exemplifies how decisions made in the entertainment industry can quickly escalate into public debates due to the intense scrutiny of social media.

Throughout his remarks, Conti admitted that if there were any missteps associated with the decision, they were entirely his responsibility. He acknowledged the challenges of navigating public opinion in a festival environment that is heavily scrutinized and discussed online, reiterating the pressure that comes with leading such a prominent cultural event in Italy.