Ranucci: I never told Giulia Presutti to go to the restaurant in Lavitola for work

Ranucci has denied claims made by his successor, Giulia Presutti, that he instructed her to visit the restaurant owned by Walter Lavitola for work-related reasons. In a statement, Ranucci clarified that he had never told Presutti to go to the restaurant for professional purposes. The clarification comes after a photo was published by Domani, showing Presutti dining at Lavitola's restaurant. Ranucci stated that he learned only later that she had visited the establishment multiple times on her own, for projects he was not informed about. He added that this information could be verified through chats seized from Lavitola’s phone. The controversy arose following reports by Repubblica that Presutti had claimed to friends that she went to Lavitola’s restaurant for work. Now, Ranucci has publicly refuted these allegations, emphasizing that there was no such instruction from him. He described the situation as one where he felt compelled to clarify the truth, stating that he had “nothing to hide” and that the matter should be resolved with honesty. Presutti, who took over as host of Report, has been at the center of recent media attention. Her comments about visiting Lavitola’s restaurant were initially taken as evidence of a potential conflict of interest, given her role in investigative journalism. However, Ranucci’s denial suggests that the visits were either personal or unrelated to his professional responsibilities. The dispute highlights the complexities of workplace relationships and the potential for misinterpretation in public statements. Lavitola, the owner of the restaurant in question, has not issued a formal response to the allegations. However, the police have confirmed that they are investigating the matter further, particularly regarding the access to private communications. It is understood that the investigation includes examining messages exchanged between Lavitola and others, including Presutti. This process is ongoing, and no official conclusions have yet been reached. The incident has sparked discussions within the media industry about the boundaries of professional conduct and the implications of personal interactions for public figures. While some argue that the visits were purely social, others suggest that the circumstances warrant closer scrutiny. The situation underscores the challenges faced by individuals in high-profile roles when personal and professional lives become intertwined. As the investigation continues, all parties involved remain under scrutiny. Ranucci has reiterated his commitment to transparency, while Presutti has not commented directly on the issue. The outcome of the police inquiry will likely determine whether any further action is taken. For now, the focus remains on the factual details being uncovered and the broader implications for journalistic integrity and workplace ethics.