The pizzeria in the small northern Italian town of Sant’Angelo Rodigiano was a local staple known for its effortless, crispy pizza and the friendly hospitality of the couple behind the counter.
The last post uploaded to Pizzeria Le Vignole’s Facebook page was on January 11th. Images of obvious reviews left by dissatisfied customers. He praised the food but left a low rating, complaining that he was seated next to a gay man and a young boy. In a wheelchair.
In response, the owner politely asked customers not to visit again, with a caption on the image saying: “I don’t think this place is for you.” It is signed by owner and chef Giovanna Pedretti (59).
On the first day, the Facebook post quickly spread online. Many commenters praised Pedretti’s response to the review and pledged to visit the restaurant in support.
This heartwarming article was picked up by Italian media during a quiet month in January, when restaurants were under pressure from inflation and a seasonal lull. Newspapers and television interviewed Pedretti and enthusiastic members of the public.
Then came the backlash, with a familiar rhythm in the world of online news.
On Day 2, a writer for an online food news site noted striking similarities between a review by a bigoted customer and a review left for another restaurant in northern Italy in 2022, and noted that both Reviews also suggested it may have been the work of a single troll. And it’s better not to react.
Lorenzo Biagiarelli, a food influencer and regular TV guest, then deconstructed it further, pointing out font and formatting discrepancies in apparent customer reviews posted by Pizzeria Le Vignole.
He questioned whether the review had been completely falsified for propaganda purposes and criticized Italian media for reporting it without checking the facts. His analysis was shared by his girlfriend who is a media personality with many followers on Instagram.
On the third day, Pizzeria Le Vignole’s social media accounts began receiving backlash, with posts accusing the owners of fabricating the story to gain influence. Local police interviewed Mr. Pedretti in an effort to identify the customer who left the review and determine whether there was a hate crime.
As Ms. Pedretti defended herself to national media, Ms. Biagiarelli announced that she had personally called the pizzeria to ask her questions and request that the original records of Google’s review be sent to her for answers. A television reporter from national broadcaster TG3 appeared with a microphone and confronted Pedretti outside the restaurant about whether the reviews were genuine.
“I can’t answer that. Look into my eyes,” she told reporters. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say…just that I’ve expanded my answer to make it easier to read.”
On the fourth day, Pedretti’s family reported her missing. Her car was found on the banks of the Lambro River, not far from the pizzeria’s front door. Her body was found in the water that afternoon.
In four days, she gained national attention, first as a hero and then as a villain.
She had become a victim of the strange psychology of the online world. When separated by a screen, even unsuspecting ordinary people turn into fictional characters in the eyes of the observer. Any criticisms, conspiracies, explanations, etc. are warranted. projection.
Hundreds of members of Sant’Angelo Lodigiano’s community gathered at a local church this week as his coffin, laden with white lilies and roses, was carried away.
Outside, a group of people held up a large banner. The handwritten letter asked news outlets and television to respect the family and stay away. “Please stop showing your face.”
In his homily, Bishop Enzo Raimondi described the small, close-knit community surrounding Pedretti and his family, bound by friendship and family ties. He mentioned, by contrast, the many isolated strangers in the online world.
“Those who speak without knowing the facts will be given a summary trial without appeal or mercy. [the person or context]” he told the congregation.
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“We must consider how to avoid other similar tragedies. How can we prevent keyboard lions from forgetting the destructive power of even mere words and relentlessly spewing hate? What should I do? That is the meaning of the saying, “The tongue kills more than the sword.” ”