Vandalism of Paola Egonu Street Art Sparks Outrage in Rome

Rome’s mayor and others decry the defacing of street art celebrating Paola Egonu, an Italian volleyball player of Nigerian descent. The graffiti, which highlighted her fight against racism, was vandalized with her skin painted pink. The incident reignited debates on racism and citizenship in Italy.

Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri and a chorus of others have decried the defacing of street art celebrating Paola Egonu, the star volleyball player who led Italy to its first Olympic gold medal in women's volleyball. Egonu, often targeted with racist abuse, was honored in a graffiti artwork opposite the Italian Olympic Committee's Rome headquarters.

The graffiti depicted Egonu, clad in her Azzurri blue uniform, with a ball labeled "Stop racism, hatred, xenophobia." However, mere hours after its creation, the artwork was vandalized. Egonu's skin was painted pink and the message on the ball blurred.

The incident has re-ignited discussions on racism and citizenship laws in Italy. The mural's defacement drew sharp criticism from various corners, amplifying calls for societal change and greater acceptance of Italy's diverse citizenry.

(With inputs from agencies.)