Sanremo Italian song festival criticised after rapper Ghali’s appeal to ‘stop genocide’

Israel’s ambassador to Italy said statement ‘spread hatred and provocation in a superficial, irresponsible way’

The Sanremo Italian song festival – Italy’s biggest showbiz event – has been criticised by Israel after a rapper competing in the contest’s final appealed to “stop genocide” during his appearance on stage.

Alon Bar, Israel’s ambassador to Italy, said the festival, which draws in millions of TV viewers and is used to pick the Italian candidate for the Eurovision song contest, was exploited to “spread hatred and provocation in a superficial, irresponsible way” after the appeal by Ghali.