Italy's state broadcaster, Rai, has sparked controversy by modifying Leonardo da Vinci's iconic drawing, the Vitruvian Man, in its opening credits for the Winter Olympics. The alteration involved the removal of the genitals from the image, which is part of a montage that transitions into scenes of winter sports. This change led to public discussion about censorship practices within media and the influence of political narratives in state-funded broadcasters.

The matter was initially highlighted by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, which raised questions about the selective fidelity of the illustration. While the rest of the Vitruvian Man's anatomical features were depicted accurately, the conspicuous absence of the genitals led to widespread scrutiny and criticism. The paper quipped about the peculiar redaction, prompting discussions about cultural sensitivity and historical accuracy in programming, especially during a significant international event like the Olympics.

Political ramifications followed swiftly, particularly from Italy's opposition parties. Lawmakers from the centre-left Democratic party denounced the alteration and questioned the autonomy of Rai amid accusations that the far-right government under Giorgia Meloni exerts undue influence over public media. This incident has opened a debate about artistic representation and the role of government in media censorship, echoing broader concerns about freedom of expression in Italy.