Fedez Charged with Aggravated Brawl in Iovino Case: New Details Emerge Amid Rapper's Defense

Italy - Ekhbary News Agency

Fedez Charged with Aggravated Brawl in Iovino Case: New Details Emerge Amid Rapper's Defense

The prominent Italian influencer Federico Lucia, professionally known as Fedez, has been formally reported by the Carabinieri for his alleged involvement in the assault of Cristiano Iovino in Milan. Surveillance camera footage and crucial testimonies from security guards are at the heart of the ongoing investigation, which seeks to reconstruct the events. Meanwhile, the rapper vehemently denies any participation, accusing the media of orchestrating an unwarranted 'massacre.'

This incident, which has sent ripples through Italy's entertainment and news sectors, took a significant turn on the morning of Monday, April 22. A formal 'communication of crime news' (cnr), signed by the Carabinieri, was officially filed with the Milan Public Prosecutor's Office. This document detailed the events that transpired just hours earlier in Via Traiano, within the CityLife district, and at 'The Club' nightclub in Largo La Foppa. Crucially, this document identified Federico Leonardo Lucia, born in Milan on October 15, 1989, as the rapper Fedez, referring him to the judicial authority on charges of 'brawl' (rissa).

The charge of a brawl is a crime prosecutable ex officio, meaning legal action does not depend on a formal complaint from the victim. This is a crucial detail, especially given that Cristiano Iovino, the assaulted personal trainer, had initially been reluctant to press charges. When the Carabinieri and 118 emergency responders arrived at his apartment, Iovino, though in pain and suffering from a eyebrow wound and various contusions, stated he had been 'attacked by unknown individuals' and mentioned 'an altercation that occurred at The Club,' deferring any further statements until after consulting his lawyer.

Despite his initial reticence, the investigation rapidly gained clarity thanks to witness accounts. Two security guards from the 'Parco Vittoria' complex in Via Traiano, who had alerted 112 after witnessing part of the assault, provided a decisive piece of evidence: they recognized Fedez among the alleged aggressors. They stated that the rapper was 'with 8-9 people, including a blonde girl,' later identified as Ludovica di Gresy. These statements were corroborated by surveillance camera images from the complex, which, although not capturing the entire dynamic, show the rapper exiting a black van and approaching Iovino, attempting to strike him with two punches. Iovino reportedly managed to dodge the blows, but immediately afterward, two other companions of Fedez allegedly intervened, escalating the aggression.

The narrative became more complex with the emergence of further details. Among the assailants, according to testimonies, were also ultras from the Rossoneri (AC Milan) fan curve, an element that adds another layer of intricacy to the case. It remains unclear whether Iovino was accompanied by others who attempted to retaliate, as the action moved out of camera range. Upon the Carabinieri's arrival at Iovino's residence, former 'Uomini e Donne' TV personality Sasà Angelucci was also present.

Investigations then also focused on 'The Club,' where a prior altercation between Fedez and Iovino allegedly took place. Testimonies and reconstructions speak of a phone appointment and an exchange of messages between the two, culminating in a discussion in the club's VIP area, where Fedez was a guest DJ. Broken glasses and the intervention of bouncers, who first removed Iovino and then Fedez's entire group – including Ludovica Di Gresy, the Rossoneri ultra bodyguard Christian Rosiello, rapper Taxi Bi, and other members of the Curva Sud – paint a picture of pre-existing tension leading up to the street assault.

While awaiting the identification of all participants in the brawl, the Carabinieri proceeded with the formal report against Fedez alone, whose presence was confirmed with certainty. The file has been assigned to Public Prosecutor Michela Bordieri. News of the charge reached the rapper while he was at the Turin Book Fair, where he had broken a twenty-day silence to address the media. On that occasion, Fedez vigorously defended his position, stating: 'I wasn't there, and from what I read from the camera, nothing seems to be visible because it was obscured by rain. They talk about 9 people who massacred the person, all Milan ultras. The person is attacked, the ambulance arrives but he is not taken to the hospital. Everyone talks about a massacre, but if this person was not taken to the hospital, there is no medical report, and he hasn't pressed charges, what are we talking about? They tell me he was in Ibiza dancing three days later. If my name wasn't involved, there wouldn't be a story.' These words, in hindsight, take on a different meaning, given that at the time of his statement, Fedez was not yet aware of the formal charges against him.

The case continues to evolve amidst conflicting statements, collected evidence, and intense media attention. The Milan Public Prosecutor's Office will now have to evaluate all elements to precisely define responsibilities and the exact course of events, in a context where the rapper is engulfed in a legal and public image storm.

Read more on Ekhbary