Sanremo Festival conductor Conti draws criticism over comment about dancer's outfit
Carlo Conti joked to his wife about a dancer's jeans during the Sanremo finale; the dancer, Francesca Tanas, later criticized RAI on social media.
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During the final of the Sanremo Festival 2026, conductor Carlo Conti made a remark about a dancer's clothing that prompted backlash on social media.
The comment occurred after an performance by Samurai Jay, who performed with a dance ensemble. Conti, watching from backstage, observed a dancer wearing cut-off jeans. He then addressed his wife in the audience, saying: "Listen, my dear wife: since I know you like jeans, that model the young lady was wearing, don't buy it, okay? Thank you. It's pure jealousy."
The remark drew criticism from observers who characterized it as commentary on the dancer's body rather than a lighthearted joke. In response, Conti posted a photo of the dancer on Instagram and called for a lighter interpretation of his words. He stated that his wife had understood the reference and smiled along with him.
Francesca Tanas, the dancer involved, later responded on Instagram. In a story post, she wrote that she was unsurprised by the incident and called RAI, Italy's public broadcaster, "the scum of humanity." She indicated she had been affected by the experience, describing herself as having been sexualized by the comment.
The exchange occurred shortly before Gino Cecchettin was scheduled to appear on stage to discuss gender-based violence and toxic masculinity, according to reports of the festival's program.