I was stuck in the plane for three hours. They told us to get off to eat, after five minutes they changed their mind, 'if you do this, you will miss the flight'

Sal Da Vinci, the Naples-born singer and winner of last year’s Sanremo Festival, has responded publicly to criticism following a controversial moment during his concert in Adrano, near Catania, on July 30. During the performance, he invited a girl with disabilities onto the stage, embraced her, kissed her, and asked the audience to applaud her. The incident quickly sparked debate online, dividing public opinion. Some viewed the gesture as a heartfelt expression of empathy, while others accused him of exploiting the girl's condition for spectacle, calling it “inspiration porn”, a term used to describe the portrayal of people with disabilities as inspirational figures rather than individuals with their own identities. In response, Sal Da Vinci addressed the controversy during a concert in Francavilla al Mare on August 1. From the stage, he explained that the action was driven by personal sensitivity, rooted in experiences within his family. He condemned the criticisms received, expressing confusion over why some users felt the need to provoke controversy solely for social media visibility. “Why do some people feel they must create conflict just to gain likes?” he asked the crowd, questioning the motives behind such attacks. He also took aim at critics who had questioned the behavior of the girl’s mother, saying, “Was the mother supposed to feel ashamed for giving me this special child to hold?” His tone was firm, emphasizing that the backlash did not affect him personally, as he has long been accustomed to media scrutiny. “If my family says something, or if you say something, I get upset. But if someone is struggling in their life, these attacks are likely directed at themselves,” he concluded. The artist further denounced the language used by some critics, accusing them of using offensive terms to harm others. “We spend our days writing put***te just to hurt people,” he said, clearly frustrated by what he described as malicious intent. Despite the backlash, Sal Da Vinci maintained that the emotional impact of the moment was shared by everyone present. “Everyone was moved. Because in my family, there is a case like this.” The incident has reignited discussions around the portrayal of disability in public spaces, particularly in entertainment contexts. While some argue that the singer’s actions were genuine and aimed at promoting inclusivity, others believe that the situation was manipulated for attention. Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for such debates, often amplifying polarized views. Sal Da Vinci’s response highlights the tension between artistic expression and ethical responsibility. His comments suggest that he sees himself as a figure who has already faced public scrutiny and is prepared to defend his choices. However, the controversy underscores broader societal questions about how disability is represented and whether such moments should be celebrated or critiqued. As the discussion continues, it remains unclear how the public will ultimately view the incident. What is certain is that Sal Da Vinci has chosen to speak directly about it, framing his actions as both personal and meaningful. Whether his stance resonates with audiences or not, the episode has once again placed him at the center of a cultural conversation about identity, representation, and the role of celebrities in shaping public discourse.