RAI Apologizes for Off-Air Comment Targeting Israeli Crew

Italy’s state broadcaster, RAI, issued an apology to the Jewish community on Saturday following an off-air remark made during its coverage of the four-man bobsleigh event at the Winter Olympics. The comment, which advised producers to “avoid crew number 21, which is the Israeli one,” was heard by viewers before the audio was abruptly cut off.

The incident marks a significant misstep for RAI, particularly in light of recent controversies. The head of RAI’s sports division, Paolo Petrecca, resigned earlier in the week after his commentary during the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games was met with backlash. His errors included misidentifying venues and public figures, leading to accusations that he had undermined the broadcaster’s credibility.

Giampaolo Rossi, RAI’s CEO, characterized the off-air remark as a “serious” violation of the principles of impartiality, respect, and inclusion that should guide a public broadcaster. In response to the incident, RAI has initiated an internal inquiry to determine responsibility and potential disciplinary actions.

The board of directors at RAI also condemned the comments as “unacceptable” and extended apologies to the Jewish community, the athletes involved in the event, and viewers who found the remarks offensive.

RAI stands as Italy’s largest media organization, overseeing national television, radio, and digital news services. The union representing RAI journalists, Usigrai, expressed concern over Petrecca’s earlier commentary, describing it as having dealt a “serious blow” to the company’s reputation. The series of missteps raises questions about the need for enhanced oversight and training among its sports commentators.

As RAI moves forward, it must navigate the complexities of maintaining impartiality while ensuring that its broadcasts reflect the diverse fabric of the communities it serves. The broadcaster’s commitment to addressing these issues will be crucial in restoring public trust and confidence.