Lazio captain Ciro Immobile and his wife Jessica Melena appeared as guest judges on a recent episode of Drag Race Italia, sending out ‘a message of freedom’.
The 33-year-old Italian striker has carried out numerous social initiatives during his career, with examples including his quiet visits to the children’s hospital Bambino Gesù in Rome and his participation in the Pope’s ‘Partita della Pace’ (Match of Peace) last year.
LGBTQ rights have become a contentious issue in Italy over the last year following the election of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her right-wing Fratelli d’Italia party.
As detailed by Jon Holmes of Out Sports, Immobile and his wife Jessica were invited to appear as guest judges on Drag Race Italia, which they accepted recently, critiquing the ‘Red Passion Week’ category.
The Lazio captain and his wife visited the drag queens after their runway presentations, where he was thanked by the participants.
“What a handsome man! Having someone like you here is very important for us,” Silvana della Magliani told the pair. Melissa Bianchini agreed, saying: “The whole drag family thanks you. Your support and your presence means a lot because our mission is to take the drag world further.”
Immobile told the drag queens: “We’re happy that you have chosen us to send out this message of freedom.”
Last month, the competing drag queens were invited to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza to watch Inter’s 2-2 draw with Bologna.