A prosecutor has requested the dismissal of a lawsuit brought forward by social media influencer Stella Manente against unknown persons. The lawsuit case follows overwhelming online backlash to her call for Hitler’s return at Milan Pride this year.

Manente filed a libel lawsuit on the grounds of defamation, aggravated threat and harassment against several unknown people due to online messages she received. However, the prosecutor called for a dismissal of the case due to article 599 of the penal code, which states that there are no grounds for punishment of those who make some gestures after being provoked. 

The prosecutor’s request reads, “The behaviour of the complainant is obviously an unjust fact because to invoke aloud “we would like Hitler, where is Hitler” during a demonstration such as the Gay Pride means to evoke and justify the Nazi persecutions against homosexuals.”

During Milan Pride in June, Manente posted to her Instagram story the following statement, “I mean I’m losing the train in the midst of this mass of ignorant people! You should all die.” On her story, she wrote the caption, ‘#ashamed to be Italian.’

Dear @Cartier your Stella Manente is a Neonazi. She loves Hitler ? pic.twitter.com/BWcOh13aX1

— Darch side ? ~La Cabina Armadio~ (@_Pimple_) June 30, 2019

Manente further stated, “Why isn’t Hitler around anymore?” She explained how a figure such as Hitler would be able to control the mass of people celebrating Pride. There was also a call made for a stronger police presence: “I really would like to understand where the police is.”

Following the online outrage to her Instagram post, the social influencer released a public apology in which she said, “I had no intention of hurting anyone.” The heat and anxiety over missing the train were given as reasons for why she spoke rashly.

Since Stella Manente posted the Instagram story, she has lost numerous sponsors and been cut off from several agencies. The Caremoli Ruggeri agency released the following statement, “The agency manages a multitude of artistic profiles and can only not share or take a position, but must not in any way be connected to such behaviours or be held responsible for what happens in private life or of the philosophical or political positions of each one. […]  We hope that we have clarified all sorts of questions about our company, as well as being sorry for the happened.”