An Italian mayor has outraged his citizens after he decided to hand out the city’s most prestigious merit award to world-famous porn actor Rocco Siffredi.
Authorities from the city of Ortona, in the region of Abruzzo, Italy, divided the public’s opinion after they decided to grant porn star Rocco Antonio Tano, 58, better known as Rocco Siffredi, the reputable ‘December 28th Prize’.
The award, which was established in 1994 to commemorate Ortona’s rebirth after it suffered extensive damage during World War II, has been handed out to natives who have contributed to the city’s promotion on a global scale.
Rocco Siffredi, who is an Ortona native, is a pornographic actor, director and producer, and has starred in more than 1,300 pornographic films.
Dubbed the ‘Italian Stallion’, Siffredi mostly gained fame through his appearance in the series called the ‘Buttman’.
He will reportedly receive the award at the Francesco Paolo Tosti performing arts theatre in a ceremony that will take place on 28th December.
Siffredi said: “This is certainly the most important prize I have ever received. I accepted with the idea that my time has come after I had worked so hard.”
When asked about the ceremony, he said: “I’ll be there, with the whole family.”
Ortona Mayor Leo Castiglione said: “This award was created to project our city on an international level and certainly Rocco Tano represents a well-known character in an audience that goes beyond national borders.
“After all, Rocco’s life is also at the centre of a Netflix television production and his interviews fill the television schedules and newspaper editorial offices.”
Castiglione added: “The Prize, established in 1994 and formalised with a regulation approved by the City Council in 2015, is linked to the history of the city and its rebirth after the destruction suffered in December 1943 and represents a moment of sharing and participation for the whole community consists of two parts.”
But the authorities’ controversial decision prompted a divided reaction among some of the locals.
A spokesperson from the opposition criticised the mayor’s choice and said: “A choice was made more in the style of a party committee, with the mayor who did not want to share the choice with the other councillors. “
They added: “It strikes us that the municipal administration rewards notoriety rather than artistic value.
“Rocco Tano is a likeable character, but I don’t think he is the person who gives prestige or glory, nobility, honour and prestige to your beautiful town.”
