Italian broadcaster accused of censoring Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man in Winter Olympics coverage
Guardian Sport
by Angela Giuffrida in RomeFebruary 13, 2026
Rai uses altered image with genitals removed in opening credits, prompting backlash from media and politicians
Italy’s state broadcaster, Rai, has been accused of censorship after removing the genitals from the image of Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man in the opening credits for its Winter Olympics coverage.
The image of the 500-year-old drawing appears at the start of the clip before transforming into the bodies of ice skaters, skiers and other winter sports athletes.
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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/13/2026