Bologna, controversy over the "Forbidden Art" exhibition. McDonald's clown on the cross, FdI: "Unacceptable outrage."

Bologna, September 12 – Fratelli d'Italia (Brothers of Italy) has launched a protest against the exhibition 'Forbidden Art' at Palazzo Albergi in Bologna (from October 17 to April 6, 2026). According to the presentation, the exhibition "reflects and discusses the theme of censorship in art," featuring " over 50 works by major international artists who explore how censorship has always limited freedom of expression, for political, religious, social, or moral reasons." The outrage, according to Melonian supporters, is against the symbol of the Catholic faith par excellence: the Cross .

Specifically, there is already controversy over one of the works on display, which portrays the clown mascot of McDonald's , the well-known fast food chain, martyred on the Cross in the guise of Christ. An image that has shocked the FdI (Italian Communist Party) party: "It is unacceptable that an exhibition that vulgarly and blasphemously offends religious symbols is being hosted in Bologna's Palazzo Albergati," attacks Francesco Sassone , regional councilor for the FdI party. "The preview released by the Emilia Romagna Turismo portal, the official website of the Regional Department of Tourism, is a blatant insult to the Cross and Christian symbols. Words fail us; it is a shameful provocation and offensive to all Christians and our city. We hope that public funds were not used because, unfortunately, the Department of Tourism is no stranger to using citizens' resources for divisive initiatives: we recall the €116,000 spent to promote LGBTQ+ tourism with a certification stamp for hotels. We demand immediate clarity on this disgrace: we want to know whether public funds were also used for this shameful exhibition, and to what extent. We will submit a request to the Regional Government to shed full light on the matter."

Marta Evangelisti , leader of the Melonian Party in the Legislative Assembly, also lashed out: "The very preview of the exhibition, published on the Emilia Romagna Turismo portal, represents a clear and disgusting insult to the Cross, the most important symbol of the Christian faith. This blasphemous provocation translates into unacceptable damage to the image of Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna region: instead of promoting authentic culture, which abounds in our region, they have chosen to give space to scandalous and offensive content. Furthermore, it is our duty to clarify whether and how much public funding has been allocated to this shameful operation. Citizens have a right to know whether their money is being wasted on initiatives that insult their cultural and religious identity. For this reason, we will submit a question to the Regional Council to demand an accounting of the costs incurred. This is more than just 'freedom of expression': we are faced with an insult to the most profound values ​​of our community."

Stefano Cavedagna , MEP for the Italian Left (FdI), doubles down: "The City of Bologna should halt any promotion of the 'Forbidden Art' exhibition being held in Bologna because it is blasphemous and offensive to Christian values ​​and beyond. Promoted by the Bologna Welcome and regional culture websites, it is an exhibition that prides itself on displaying what is normally censored regarding religious, sexual, and moral themes. It is an insult to religious symbols, particularly the crucifix in the likeness of Ronald McDonald , as is the box of matches featuring the slogan 'the only church that illuminates is the one that burns' within the exhibition, hosted by the Barcelona Museum. Although this is a private initiative, we hope that the City and other public bodies have not contributed financially to this initiative, and we ask that it be removed from the city's promotion and the Culture Card discounts be revoked. The City should not grant discounts or benefits to this blasphemous exhibition and should halt any type of promotion."

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