The Estonian rapper Tommy Cash, which should introduce its country at Eurovision-2025, was at the epicenter of a high-profile scandal through his competition song Espresso Macchiato . The composition has caused indignation in Italy because, according to many, there are abusive stereotypes about Italian culture.
According to The Guardian , the Italian Codacons Consumers Association has already contacted the European Language Union (EBU) demanding to exclude Tommy Cash from the competition. The reason was that his song reproduces clichés about mafia, paste and coffee, and also hints at the connection of rich Italians with the criminal world.
One of the lines that caused special indignation was the following: "Sweat as mafia, and life looks like spaghetti - heavy until you cook it."
According to Italian activists, the composition not only exploits national stereotypes, but also actually "sings" a mafia way of life, romanticizing crime and demonstrating it as part of culture.
The performer himself has already commented on the situation in an interview with Rai Radio2 . He stated that he did not intend to offend someone, but on the contrary, sought to emphasize his love for Italy:
“I very much believe in this song. It has something magical. I love Italian cuisine, design and coffee, so I didn't think it could cause such resonance. ”
However, discussions around Tommy Cash are not limited.
In addition to the problem with the text of the song, the rapper is to collaborate with Russian artists and to silence about war in Ukraine. The production of his competition room is engaged in Russian Alina Piazok, and in 2021 Tommy Cash attended annexed Crimea.
These facts are outraged among the supporters of the competition, as Eurovision traditionally supports European values and condemns any cooperation with the aggressor country.
So far, the European Language Union has not commented on the possibility of excluding Tommy Cash from the competition. However, increasing pressure from Italian activists and the international community can influence the decisions of the organizers.
If the scandal is even more publicized, the EBU may consider the exclusion of the Estonian performer from the competition or to require changes in his speech.
