Italian rapper Fedez is under scrutiny after publishing lyrics that reference tennis star Jannik Sinner in a way that has been deemed racially provocative. The lyrics, shared via Instagram, described Sinner as a “pure-blooded Italian with Adolf Hitler’s accent,” a line that has drawn widespread condemnation and prompted legal action.
“I felt it my duty to act and hold up the founding values of our constitution,” said Giuseppe Martucci, a city council member in Bolzano, who filed a formal complaint with prosecutors. “We can’t allow language that evokes racism and hate to be normalized by public figures.”
The complaint cites Italy’s penal code article on incitement to racial hatred and propaganda. Martucci emphasized that the phrase “pure-blooded Italian” echoes fascist rhetoric from the 1930s, and the reference to Hitler was especially offensive given Sinner’s origins in the German-speaking region of Alto Adige.
Sinner’s identity repeatedly questioned
This incident is not the first time Jannik Sinner’s national identity has been challenged. Despite his achievements, including four Grand Slam titles in two years, Sinner has faced criticism for not fitting the stereotypical image of an Italian athlete. His decision to skip the Davis Cup in 2023 due to fatigue from the North American swing was met with backlash, and headlines like “Caso Nazionale” reflected the tension surrounding his place in Italy’s sporting narrative.
“Sinner is not Italian,” was a recurring sentiment on social media, especially early in his career. Born in South Tyrol, a region with strong Germanic roots, Sinner is a native German speaker and has often been caught in cultural crossfire.
From controversy to celebration
The tone shifted dramatically after Sinner’s victory at the 2024 Australian Open. He was welcomed as a national hero, celebrated by fans and politicians alike. His meeting with Premier Giorgia Meloni at the Chigi Palace, where they held the trophy and the Italian flag together, symbolized a moment of unity and pride.
“I am the way I am. If people like the way I am, fine. Otherwise, that’s fine too,” Sinner said in a previous interview, addressing the criticism with calm and dignity.
Fedez’s history of public clashes
Fedez is no stranger to controversy. In 2021, he received public support after revealing that RAI state television attempted to censor his remarks on homophobia during a Worker’s Day concert. His outspoken nature and political activism have often placed him at the center of public debate.
This latest episode, however, has reignited concerns about the role of artists in shaping public discourse. Whether the lyrics were intended as satire or provocation, the legal implications are now being examined, and the cultural conversation around identity, language, and responsibility continues to evolve.
Jannik Sinner in 2025
Ranked no.2, Sinner played his last encounter on the 7th of September when he capitulated to world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 in the final of the U.S. Open (draw).
At the moment, during this season the Italian has achieved a 37-5 match record. The Italian clinched 2 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. The Italian got to the final in Rome, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open.
He is also scheduled to play in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters) after Beijing. The main draw will start on the 25th of September.