Silvio Berlusconi Died. But for Her, the ‘Bunga Bunga’ Scandal Lives On.

Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian prime minister and media tycoon, passed away on September 29, 2021, at the age of 84. While many remember him for his controversial political career and numerous legal troubles, one scandal in particular continues to haunt his legacy – the infamous ‘Bunga Bunga’ affair.

The ‘Bunga Bunga’ scandal first came to light in 2010, when it was alleged that Berlusconi hosted raucous parties at his villa in Arcore, near Milan, where young women were reportedly paid to attend and entertain guests. The term ‘Bunga Bunga’ is said to have originated from a joke Berlusconi made about former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who allegedly introduced him to the phrase.

The scandal quickly became a major issue for Berlusconi, who faced accusations of paying for sex with an underage prostitute, Karima El Mahroug, also known as “Ruby the Heartstealer.” Berlusconi denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the parties were innocent gatherings with friends and that he had only tried to help El Mahroug out of a difficult situation.

Despite his denials, Berlusconi was eventually convicted of paying for sex with a minor and sentenced to seven years in prison, though the sentence was later overturned on appeal. The scandal tarnished his reputation and led to his resignation as prime minister in 2011.

But for some, the ‘Bunga Bunga’ affair is far from over. El Mahroug, now in her thirties, continues to speak out about her experiences with Berlusconi and the fallout from the scandal. In a recent interview, she claimed that she was “used and abused” by the former prime minister and that she still suffers from the trauma of the events that unfolded.

El Mahroug’s story serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play in cases of sexual exploitation and abuse, particularly when involving powerful figures like Berlusconi. Her allegations have reignited public interest in the scandal and raised questions about the accountability of those in positions of authority.

Despite Berlusconi’s passing, the ‘Bunga Bunga’ scandal lives on in the memories of those who were affected by it. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked power and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or influence. As the legacy of Silvio Berlusconi continues to be debated, it is clear that the impact of the ‘Bunga Bunga’ affair will be felt for years to come.