In Italy, a controversy has emerged surrounding a promotional video for the Winter Olympics that featured a modified version of Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, in which a Rai director decided to edit out the figure’s genitalia. This decision sparked considerable public outcry, particularly from online commentators and art critics who see this as a troubling example of political correctness gone too far. The alteration not only disrespects a revered piece of art but also raises questions about the motivations behind such censorship, suggesting that fear of offending various groups may lead to diminishing the integrity of significant cultural symbols.

The incident followed a similar uproar regarding a communication expert from the Democratic Party who posted a promotional video for the No campaign against a justice referendum, using the images of Italian curling champions without their consent. Both incidents highlight what some commentators are calling an overreach of "woke culture"—an ideology that, according to critics, promotes excessive sensitivity at the expense of artistic expression and historical accuracy. The backlash against these actions reflects broader societal tensions regarding the balance between inclusivity and the preservation of cultural heritage.

As stakeholders in various sectors, including the arts and sports, confront the implications of such edits, it becomes evident that this incident might be a turning point for discussions surrounding censorship, artistic interpretation, and cultural appropriation in contemporary media. While the intentions may have been to foster inclusivity, reactions suggest that many view these practices as undermining the very diversity they aim to promote, ultimately igniting debates over the future of expression in the public sphere.