UCEI – Rome Court orders removal of Chef Rubio’s social media messages

The Union of the Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI) has announced that, with an order published on July 30, 2024, the Civil Court of Rome has issued a precautionary measure for the removal and prohibition of publication of messages disseminated on social media by Mr. Gabriele Rubini, a former semi-professional Italian rugby player and TV chef known professionally as Chef Rubio. The order comes in an urgent proceeding (therefore, it is subject to legal remedies for potential appeals) initiated by UCEI before the Rome Court.
In particular, the Court found as a matter of urgency that the messages recently disseminated on social media channels by Mr. Rubini constitute “statements likely to spread antisemitic prejudice, which overall damage the dignity and reputation of the Jewish community and are therefore defamatory,” resulting in “incitement to hatred (‘hate speech’)as they are intentionally directed to provoke intolerance towards individuals, people, and groups, offending their dignity to the extent of posing a danger to their safety.”
This decision represents a significant reaffirmation of the principles of civil coexistence and respect for others’ dignity, especially relevant in a context of intolerance and rampant antisemitism, which is sadly confirmed every day.
The jurisdiction and the rule of law must continue to be the benchmarks for upholding these principles. The principle that UCEI is entitled to act in defense of the rights and interests of Italian Jewry and its community realities, based on the institutional competencies entrusted to it, remains confirmed.