Raoul Bova targeted by blackmail and public shaming over private messages
Italian actor Raoul Bova reportedly became the target of blackmail involving private messages and audio recordings during summer 2025. After refusing to pay extortion demands, the materials were released online and became a viral phenomenon, leading to widespread public ridicule.
What happened
An unidentified person obtained private chat messages and audio recordings involving actor Raoul Bova and model Martina Ceretti during summer 2025. The person attempted to blackmail Bova by demanding money in exchange for not releasing the materials to media personality Corona, contacting him repeatedly by phone over three days.
Bova refused to pay the blackmail demand. The private messages and audio recordings were then publicly released and widely shared online, becoming a viral phenomenon in Italy.
Reported impact
Bova reported experiencing public ridicule and humiliation following the release of his private communications. He stated he received no messages of support for refusing the blackmail, instead experiencing what he described as a 'public killing,' with widespread mockery across all social strata.
The phrase 'occhi spaccanti' from the released materials became a major trending topic in Italy during summer 2025, dominating public discourse ahead of other major news events. Bova described the societal attention as reflecting a 'sick society' attracted to gossip and the public downfall of public figures.
Index analysis
The incident involved the non-consensual distribution of private communications obtained through extortion. The release and amplification of these materials on social media enabled mass ridicule of the individuals involved.
Governance controls
Bova stated he filed a report with authorities regarding the incident, but reported that officials did not recognize the conduct as a crime or take action to stop the distribution.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.