Why have rapper Ghali’s Israel comments led to Winter Olympics criticism?

The Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics open on Monday but one rapper Ghali’s inclusion draws criticism in his native Italy.Published On 31 Jan 2026The inclusion ‌of Italian rapper Ghali in the cast of performers at the ‍opening ceremony of ‍the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has led to a dispute in Italy.The artist, born in Milan to Tunisian parents, has been criticised in Italy because of his comments on Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4All to know about the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 stadiumslist 2 of 4Real face Mourinho’s Benfica in UCL again, PSG meet Monaco – all to knowlist 3 of 4T20 World Cup 2026: Teams, format, venues and full match schedulelist 4 of 4Bangladesh approves shooting team India tour, days after T20 World Cup banend of listAl Jazeera Sport takes a look at the latest example of sport and politics colliding and why this case has hit the headlines.Who is criticising Ghali’s inclusion at the Winter Olympics?Members of Italy’s right-wing League party, part of Prime ⁠Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, have criticised the choice of Ghali to ‍perform at the event in the San Siro stadium on February 6.What is Ghali criticised for saying about Israel?Ghali was at the centre of a political spat two years ago during the popular Sanremo song contest, ‍when he ⁠called for a “stop to the genocide” in reference to Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.A League party source called Ghali a “pro-Palestinian fanatic” who hated Israel and the centre-right, in comments to the Italian ​media.Is Ghali’s Winter Olympics opening ceremony role set to be controversial?Sport Minister Andrea Abodi said he did not ‌expect Ghali to use the Olympic stage to make a political point.“I am not embarrassed to disagree with Ghali’s views and the messages he has sent, but I believe that ‌a country must be able to absorb the impact of an artist who has expressed an opinion that ‌we do not share, which will not be ⁠expressed on that stage,” he said.