Loud outbursts, between anger and tears, were entrusted to social media. Niccolo Califanofood blogger ed former Masterchef Italia competitorin a video on Instagram, criticizing the difficult situation he experienced due to these moments denial of tourist visa to his girlfriend, an Iranian citizen. “I’m angry with the government. In fact I don’t even know who to blame”, Niccolò begins the video, looking annoyed. “My girlfriend was supposed to come here on Tuesday and they refused her visa for the second time. She wanted to leave a country where her rights are not respected, but only for a while and then come back.”
The reason for the refusal, according to what the food influencer said, was only related to the girl’s nationality. Italian embassy official in Tehran, Niccolò reported, said that the visa application was perfect and all documents were complete, and then concluded: “Everything is fine, but you are Iranian.” Moreover, marriage may be suggested as a solution. The detail that made Califano cry on camera: “But I will marry you too, at least I will marry you because then you can be free. But let’s at least try to have a relationship.” And he added desperately: “Who am I to be angry with? With the Government, with Italy? They didn’t allow me to love someone, to try.”
In the caption accompanying the video, Califano outlined his reflection: “I think it’s right to remember that living in Italy, no matter what anyone says, is a luxury. Maybe I fell in love with the Iranian because he doesn’t take anything for granted. Maybe my country and your country are like rich and poor, but not in a love story like a fairy tale with a happy ending. One of the many stories that exist and are ready to be forgotten, because stories are always written by the winners. And we are just two citizens who have half the rights.”
