Italian magistrates open urgent probe into pardon for former Berlusconi showgirl
Italian magistrates have initiated an urgent investigation into Nicole Minetti's presidential pardon related to a sex-party scandal. The inquiry follows allegations that Minetti may have lied about her humanitarian circumstances to secure the clemency. President Sergio Mattarella has publicly urged a review of the case amid concerns over inconsistencies in Minetti's appeal.
- ▪Nicole Minetti, a former showgirl and ally of Silvio Berlusconi, was pardoned for a conviction related to procuring sex workers.
- ▪The pardon was granted on humanitarian grounds, citing the poor health of her adopted child, but inconsistencies have emerged regarding the child's adoption.
- ▪The Milan prosecutor general's office is investigating the allegations and has sought information from abroad.
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Italian magistrates open urgent probe into pardon for former Berlusconi showgirlSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished Apr 28, 2026, 09:12 PMUpdated Apr 28, 2026, 09:18 PMListenROME, April 28 - Italian magistrates said on Tuesday they had opened urgent checks into whether Nicole Minetti, an ally of late Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, lied to secure a presidential pardon for a conviction over a sex-party scandal.The case has embarrassed both President Sergio Mattarella and the Justice Ministry, raising questions over how far authorities checked the humanitarian claims behind the clemency award, which was initially kept secret.Minetti has denied falsifying her application, but Mattarella has taken the highly unusual step of publicly urging the ministry to…
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