Italy's RAI Faces Backlash Over Altered Vitruvian Man in Olympics Coverage

Italy's state broadcaster RAI has come under fire for its portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci's iconic 'Vitruvian Man' during the Winter Olympics coverage. The modified version, which appears without genitals, was criticized as a censorship act by Italy's Democratic Party.

RAI, already criticized for previous gaffes during the opening ceremony, defended itself by stating the image was produced by the International Olympic Committee's Olympic Broadcasting Services and intended as a tribute, not a direct reproduction, of the artwork.

The Democratic Party criticized the move, demanding explanations from Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli. The network, however, maintains that the graphic was cleared by the Gallerie dell’Accademia and Italy's Ministry of Culture.