The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics open on Monday, but rapper Ghali’s participation has drawn criticism in his native Italy.
Published January 31, 2026
The inclusion of Italian rapper Gari among the performers at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics has sparked controversy in Italy.
The artist, who was born in Milan to Tunisian parents, has been criticized in Italy for his comments about Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza.
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Al Jazeera Sports looks at the latest example of sports and politics colliding and why this incident made headlines.
Who is criticizing Ghali’s participation in the Winter Olympics?
Lawmakers from Italy’s right-wing Alliance party, part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, criticized Ghali’s choice to perform at an event at the San Siro stadium on February 6.
What statements about Israel has Mr. Ghali been criticized for?
Ghali was at the center of a political spat two years ago at the Sanremo popular song contest, where he called for “an end to the genocide”, referring to Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza.
In comments to Italian media, Alliance Party officials called Ghali a “pro-Palestinian fanatic” who hates Israel and the centre-right.
Will Ghali’s role at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony be controversial?
Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said she did not expect Ghali to use the Olympic stage to make a political point.
“There is no shame in disagreeing with Ghali’s views or the message he sent, but the country must be able to absorb the influence of artists who express views that we do not share, and those views will not be expressed on that stage,” he said.
Besides Ghaly, what other names will be mentioned for the opening round of the Milan-Cortino tournament?
Ghali has not commented on the controversy, but is likely to appeal to a younger audience than other performers at the opening ceremony, including tenor Andrea Bocelli and American pop singer Mariah Carey.
French-Malian pop star Aya Nakamura became the target of racist abuse online after it was revealed she would sing at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
