PRESS RELEASE
Luca Esposito's murder: Arcigay Salerno condemns speculation about the victim's alleged private life.
Arcigay Salerno expresses its deepest condolences for the tragic killing of journalist Luca Esposito, whose body was found in the countryside of Eboli in the province of Salerno. In this time of great grief, while the investigation is still ongoing and it is up to the judiciary alone to determine the truth, we are witnessing with growing concern the spread of rumors, insinuations, and comments regarding the victim's alleged private life and sexual orientation.
This trend is not only disrespectful towards Luca Esposito and his family, but also contributes to fueling stereotypes and prejudices that have nothing to do with establishing the facts.
“"In these hours," says Emanuele Avagliano, President of Arcigay Salerno, "we are witnessing a very serious phenomenon: rather than focusing on the search for the truth and determining responsibility for a brutal murder, people are preferring to fuel a media frenzy over the alleged private life of the victim. This is an attitude we strongly reject, as it is detrimental to human dignity and profoundly dangerous on a cultural level."”
“Sexual orientation, real or perceived, isn't newsworthy and can't be used as a narrative to explain a crime. Every time this happens, it reinforces the idea that a person's identity can become a source of suspicion, morbid curiosity, or even a reason for blaming. It's a mechanism that fuels homophobia and must be decisively countered.”
Arcigay Salerno calls on the media to respect the ethical principles of the journalistic profession, recalling that protecting human dignity must prevail over any attempt to sensationalize news.
“We appeal to the media, commentators, and social media users: stop. Let the investigators work and respect the memory of a victim who deserves justice, not gossip. Words carry weight and can hurt as much as actions. A democratic society is also measured by the ability to share pain responsibly and without giving in to prejudice.”
Arcigay Salerno expresses its closeness to Luca Esposito's family, friends, and colleagues and reiterates its call for full investigation into the incident, respecting the truth, human dignity, and the values of a society free from all forms of discrimination.
Press Office
Arcigay Salerno
