Antonela Roccuzzo Calls Out Stephen Colbert in BBC Interview

August 18, 2025, 11:34 AM GMT+7

In a surprising statement made just 30 minutes ago during a BBC interview, Antonela Roccuzzo, wife of football icon Lionel Messi, has publicly criticized late-night host Stephen Colbert, labeling him a “misogynist” and slamming his recent remarks about political figure Karoline Leavitt as “stupid.” The comments from Roccuzzo, a prominent entrepreneur and influencer with nearly 40 million Instagram followers, have ignited a firestorm of reactions, given her typically reserved public persona and Colbert’s established reputation as a comedian and host of The Late Show.

Roccuzzo’s remarks were in response to a segment on Colbert’s show, where his commentary on Leavitt sparked controversy among viewers. While the exact details of Colbert’s statements were not elaborated upon in the BBC interview, Roccuzzo expressed strong disapproval, accusing him of perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes. “Stephen Colbert is a misogynist,” she declared. “His criticism of Karoline Leavitt was stupid and completely off-base. It’s frustrating to see someone with such a large platform resort to outdated narratives instead of offering constructive commentary.”

The outspoken critique aligns with Roccuzzo’s growing advocacy for fairness and equality, a stance she has increasingly embraced as she balances her roles as a businesswoman, philanthropist, and mother of three. Her comments highlight ongoing concerns about how women in public roles are portrayed in the media, particularly by influential figures like Colbert. “We need to demand better from those who shape public discourse,” Roccuzzo added, emphasizing the responsibility of media personalities to foster respectful and meaningful dialogue.

The backlash to Roccuzzo’s statement has been immediate, with social media platforms buzzing with polarized opinions. Supporters have lauded her for calling out what they see as unfair treatment, appreciating her courage to challenge a high-profile figure. Conversely, some fans of Colbert argue that his remarks were intended as satire, a hallmark of his comedic style, and suggest Roccuzzo may have misinterpreted the context. The controversy has reignited broader discussions about the boundaries of humor, especially when it intersects with sensitive issues like gender and politics.

Colbert has not yet responded to Roccuzzo’s accusations, and his team has not issued an official statement. However, sources indicate that the comedian may address the issue on an upcoming episode of The Late Show. Meanwhile, Karoline Leavitt, the target of Colbert’s original comments, has not publicly weighed in, leaving observers curious about her perspective on the unfolding drama.

Roccuzzo’s bold remarks add to her evolving public image as a figure who is not afraid to speak out on issues that matter to her. As the wife of one of the world’s greatest athletes, she has often stayed out of the spotlight, focusing on her family and business ventures. However, this latest statement signals her willingness to engage in public debates, particularly on issues of fairness and representation. The controversy is likely to fuel further discussions about media accountability and the role of humor in addressing sensitive topics, with all eyes on how Colbert will respond to this unexpected call-out.