State broadcaster Rai has kicked
Enrico Montesano off Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian version
of Dancing with the Stars, after the veteran comedy actor wore a
Fascist t-shirt during rehearsals.
Rai said Montesano's conduct was "unacceptable" after he wore a
t-shirt with the symbol of the Decima Mas, a Fascist-period
flotilla unit, part of which fought with the German occupying
forces at the end of World War II following the 1943 Armistice.
The network also apologized to viewers for the images, which
were screened.
The 77-year-old actor initially said sorry, arguing that it had
not been his intention to commit apology for fascism.
But when the broadcaster announced he had been axed, he said he
would take legal action to protect his "honour".
Among other things, Montesano is a prominent anti-vaxxer who was
highly critical of the way the COVID-19 pandemic was addressed
in Italy.
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