Levante and Gaia shared a kiss on stage during their duet at Sanremo, but the broadcast director chose to avoid a close-up of the moment, leading to accusations of censorship from viewers.
At the Sanremo music festival, Levante surprised the audience by choosing Gaia as her duet partner for a rendition of Gianna Nannini's hit from 1987, 'I maschi.' During their performance, the two singers exchanged flirtatious looks and gentle touches, culminating in a kiss on the lips that delighted the crowd. However, the television director opted not to capture this intimate moment on screen, choosing instead a wider shot that missed the kiss, which resulted in mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
The decision to zoom out during such a significant moment led to accusations of censorship, particularly among users on social media, who speculated that the Rai network was deliberately avoiding intimate portrayals of same-sex affection. The incident sparked discussions about representation and the responsibilities of broadcasters in celebrating LGBTQ+ moments in mainstream events. Notably, Laura Pausini, a well-known figure in the music industry, commented on the chemistry between the performers, implying that there was indeed an affectionate vibe during their duet.
Despite the criticism of the broadcast quality and the management of camera angles, the performance was received warmly by the audience, who applauded Levante and Gaia’s connection. This event highlights ongoing conversations about LGBTQ+ visibility in media and the a need for greater acceptance and representation within mainstream entertainment, particularly during high-profile events like Sanremo.
