MILAN — Italy’s state broadcaster RAI was forced to apologise to the Jewish community on Saturday after an off-air remark advising producers to “avoid” the Israeli crew was accidentally broadcast before coverage of the Four-Man bobsleigh event at the Winter Olympics.
Viewers heard “Let’s avoid crew number 21, which is the Israeli one” and then “no, because …” before the sound was cut off.
The incident marks the latest controversy to hit the public broadcaster during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, following the resignation of RAI’s sports division head earlier this week over error-ridden commentary at the opening ceremony.
Diplomatic response
Israel’s Ambassador to Italy, Jonathan Peled, condemned the remarks on social media.
*”I firmly condemn the statements made today by a RAI journalist regarding the Israeli bobsleigh delegation at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. There should be no room in sport for incitement to hatred, discrimination based on national, cultural, or religious beliefs, and any offensive rhetoric.”*
Peled expressed confidence that RAI management would take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents, adding: “We are confident that the RAI management will take all necessary measures to ensure that similar incidents are not repeated.”
Broadcaster responds
RAI CEO Giampaolo Rossi described the incident as a “serious” breach of the principles of impartiality, respect and inclusion that should guide the public broadcaster.
In a statement, Rossi confirmed that RAI had opened an internal inquiry to “swiftly determine any responsibility and any potential disciplinary procedures.”
RAI’s board of directors separately condemned the remark as “unacceptable” and apologised to the Jewish community, the athletes involved, and all viewers who felt offended.
Pattern of errors
The gaffe follows the resignation of Paolo Petrecca, head of RAI’s sports division, after his commentary during the Milano Cortina 2026 opening ceremony two weeks ago triggered a revolt among the broadcaster’s journalists.
The union representing RAI journalists, Usigrai, said Petrecca’s performance had dealt “a serious blow” to the company’s credibility. His missteps included misidentifying venues and public figures, and making comments about national teams that were widely criticised.
RAI is Italy’s largest media organisation, operating national television, radio and digital news services.
Reporting by Andrea Mandalà; Editing by Alison Williams and Pritha Sarkar
© Reuters. Published by Credibility Media and Entertainment Ltd under licence.
