Neomelodic singer Antony denies the accusations and is preparing to fight legal action following the mandatory removal order from his hometown by the City of Palermo. Through his lawyer, Luca Gili, the artist clarified his position regarding the incident involving him, emphasizing that he attended the event exclusively in a professional capacity.
According to the lawyer, Antony was contacted by the Palermo bingo officials for a previously agreed-upon performance, in line with his usual arrangements for private events. His participation, therefore, was dictated solely by work-related reasons.
“The artist cannot identify the audience”
A crucial point of the defense concerns the alleged presence of criminals at the event. Attorney Gili is clear: "An artist, in the exercise of his duties, has neither the power nor the obligation to identify the participants in an event, much less to know their criminal records or moral standing."
Among the crowd of guests, it is emphasized, Antony could not have been aware of the attendance of people with criminal records. This circumstance, according to the defense, cannot in any way be used to prove his alleged danger to society.
The musical repertoire and the irregularities of the venue
The artist also declares himself completely innocent of any administrative irregularities related to the management of the bingo hall or the venue. Antony, the statement reads, was merely responding in good faith to a professional assignment.
Clarity was also shed on the songs performed during the evening. The songs performed are part of the artist's established repertoire, regularly registered and performed at numerous concerts nationwide, thus dismissing the theory that they were chosen or dedicated to specific contexts of illegality.
Appeal against the expulsion order
Considering the mandatory expulsion order "totally disproportionate, unfounded, and in breach of the constitutional right to work and free movement," attorney Gili announced that he would immediately challenge the measure in the appropriate courts.
The defense's goal is to re-establish the facts, asking the judicial authorities to draw a clear line between the singer's professional role and the dynamics surrounding the individuals who requested his performance.
It seems a bit complicated to me. Antony says he was just there for work, but I'm not sure. The contacts say otherwise. And how can an artist identify the people? Are there any criminals or pre-convicts? I don't know. The lawyer is speaking, but the facts remain unclear. It will be decided in court.