The Milanese rapper is allegedly the subject of an investigation linked to football hooliganism and a mafia group. He decided to withdraw from the Sanremo Festival upon learning of the alleged investigation.
Investigations and three-year ban from stadiums
Emis Killa’s name came up in an investigation on hooligans from Milan’s two elite football clubs last autumn (and their links to a mafia group), in part due to his links with the leader of AC Milan’s ultras, Luca Lucci. A search of his house on September 30 uncovered seven knives, three brass knuckles, a baton, a taser, and nearly 40,000 euros in cash. He was also managing a barber and tattoo shop in Monza that was considered the headquarter of Luca Lucci. Finally, witnesses had linked him to a group of people involved in the assault of a stadium steward in April 2024 (although it is not clear if he was directly involved in the assault).
In December, the Milan police commissionner (questore) banned him from attending stadiums for three years, and in recent days, newspapers started linking him to criminal investigations, a reveal which led to his withdrawal.
Emis Killa’s statement on the withdrawal
Emis Killa published a statement on his social media channels to announce his withdrawal from Sanremo:
I learn today from the newspapers that I am under investigation (I have only been notified of the ban, which is an administrative act and not a criminal one), and if this corresponds to the truth, it will be important for the investigation to take its course and for the judiciary to be able to work in peace without controversy, pressure or media circuses.
After a career of 15 years, I was happy to participate in my first Sanremo. I thank Carlo Conti for having wanted me but I prefer to take a step back and not participate.
I trust that everything will be resolved as soon as possible, for the best, and I hope to be able to participate, in the future, in a Festival in which music is central, being able to bring my song, talk only about that and have fun, as it should have been this year and as it is right that it should be for all the artists who decide to get involved and participate in the competition.
Emis Killa’s statement on his withdrawal – January 29, 2025
No replacement at Sanremo
Emis Killa was due to take part with his song “Demoni”, and will not be replaced at the Festival di Sanremo, which will take place between February 11 and 15. As such, only 29 acts will compete for victory, which includes the “right of first refusal” to represent Italy at Eurovision.
Carlo Conti, the new artistic director of the festival, gave the following statements:
I regretfully take not of Emis Killa’s decision to withdraw from Sanremo. I understand his state of mind which does not allow him to live the festival’s week of music at best and with serenity.
Carlo Conti
This marks another withdrawal in this national final season, coming after those of Grēta in Latvia (for health reasons) and Milan Nikolić in Serbia, to only mention those from the last seven days.
Was Emis Killa right to withdraw from Sanremo? Do you think it will change much to the final results? How do you feel about the many withdrawals and disqualifications we have witnessed in the last few weeks? Tell us more in the comments below or on social media at @escxtra!