Arisa's Body Journey: Why Rettore's TV Remark Sparked Controversy on La Volta Buona
The spotlight of Sanremo often extends beyond the music, capturing moments that spark wider cultural conversations. In early 2026, during an appearance on Rai's popular talk show La Volta Buona, a seemingly innocuous comment from seasoned singer Donatella Rettore to fellow artist Arisa ignited an instant and widespread online debate. The incident, quickly amplified across platforms like X and TikTok, thrust the complexities of body image, public discourse, and the evolving standards of television language back into the public consciousness. At the heart of the discussion was Rettore's "ingrassa" comment to Arisa, which many viewers perceived as an uninvited judgment on Arisa's physique, echoing the sensitive topic of body shaming.
The episode, featuring rettore arisa volta buona, served as a stark reminder of how even well-intentioned remarks can be misconstrued or carry unintended weight, especially when directed at someone with a documented personal history of navigating body image challenges in the public eye. Arisa, known for her powerful voice and candid personality, has frequently shared her journey with weight fluctuations and self-acceptance, making the televised comment particularly resonant for a public attuned to the nuances of body positivity and respectful communication.
The Unintended Spark: What Happened on La Volta Buona?
The setting was the glass studio SIAE, overlooking Piazza Borea d’Olmo, a lively hub during the Sanremo Festival. Arisa had just concluded a twenty-minute segment on La Volta Buona, hosted by Caterina Balivo, discussing her Sanremo looks and her song "Magica Favola" with opinionists Luca Dondoni, Tommaso Zorzi, and Donatella Rettore. As the segment drew to a close and Arisa prepared to depart, a moment of seemingly warm exchange took an unexpected turn.
Donatella Rettore embraced Arisa, offering words of praise, but then added a phrase that, while whispered, was clearly captured by the microphones: “Ciao bellissima. Stammi bene, ma ingrassa, perché sei troppo magra.” Translated, this means: “Hello beautiful. Be well, but gain weight, because you are too thin.” While such an expression might pass unnoticed in a private, familiar context, its utterance on live national television, concerning an artist whose body has been a public topic, immediately triggered a deluge of reactions online.
The incident highlighted a critical point: the medium significantly alters the message. What might be a casual observation among friends becomes a public statement when broadcast to millions. Users on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok swiftly labeled the comment "avoidable," pointing out the incongruity of such a remark in an age increasingly advocating for body neutrality and respect. Arisa, for her part, chose to handle the moment with grace, elegantly gliding past the comment without a direct reply, a testament to her composure in a potentially awkward situation.
Arisa's Open Dialogue: A Personal Journey with Body Image
To fully grasp the magnitude of the reaction to Rettore’s comment, one must understand Arisa's long and transparent relationship with her own body. Far from shying away from the topic, Arisa has consistently used her platform to discuss her experiences with weight, diet, and self-perception, transforming what could be a private struggle into a public conversation about acceptance and authenticity. This history made the "ingrassa" comment particularly sensitive for many informed viewers.
- Fluctuating Weight and Public Scrutiny: Arisa has openly spoken about alternating between strict dietary regimes and periods of weight gain. In 2019, she candidly shared: “I maintain an impeccable regime to see myself beautiful, then the day the scale shows 53 kg, the first pack of Pan di Stelle starts… In two months, I gained 13 kg.” This honest admission painted a picture of a journey marked by personal effort and occasional indulgence, far removed from a static "ideal" body.
- Emotional Connection to Eating: In 2022, speaking to Corriere della Sera, Arisa linked rapid weight loss to heartbreak, explaining that she tends to eat less both when suffering from love and when deeply in love. She also described a past of disordered eating, rich in sweets and sugary drinks, with weight management more guided by mood than structured diets. This emotional connection to food underscored that body changes are often complex, deeply personal, and not always within simple control.
- Embracing Evolution and Self-Love: Despite these challenges, Arisa has consistently advocated for the right to change without justification and has celebrated her evolving self. "Now I like myself more than I did at 20… I’m far from the sympathetic 'palletina' (little ball) of Sincerità, but I liked that girl too," she stated, demonstrating a profound journey toward self-acceptance across different body types. Her message has been one of empowerment: owning her body, whatever its current form, and finding beauty and confidence in every stage.
Given this background, the public's immediate protective reaction to Rettore's comment was not just about the words themselves, but about safeguarding Arisa’s hard-won narrative of self-acceptance against unsolicited public commentary. It highlighted the desire for greater awareness in media when discussing, even in what might be perceived as a compliment, the deeply personal and often challenging theme of the body on national television.
Beyond the Compliment: The Evolving Landscape of TV Language and Body Shaming
The incident on La Volta Buona serves as a powerful microcosm of the shifting sands in public and media discourse surrounding body image. While Donatella Rettore's intent may not have been malicious—indeed, she prefaced it with "Ciao bellissima" and "Stammi bene"—the impact resonated deeply, illustrating the critical distinction between intent and effect. TV body shaming: the Rettore-Arisa incident challenges broadcast language, forcing a re-evaluation of what constitutes acceptable commentary.
For decades, television has often perpetuated unrealistic beauty standards, contributing to a culture where comments on weight, shape, and appearance were commonplace. However, there's a growing global movement towards body positivity, body neutrality, and mindful communication, especially in media. What was once considered a benign observation can now be perceived as intrusive and harmful, falling into a "grey area" where complimenting thinness is still sometimes deemed socially acceptable, even as direct calls for weight loss for larger bodies are increasingly condemned on television.
This double standard is problematic. Whether commenting on someone being "too thin" or "too heavy," the underlying issue is the unsolicited judgment of another person's body. Such remarks can trigger insecurities, exacerbate disordered eating patterns, and reinforce the idea that one's worth is tied to their physical appearance. Celebrities, due to their visibility, have a unique responsibility, and their words carry significant weight, shaping public opinion and potentially influencing the self-perception of countless viewers.
The debate surrounding rettore arisa volta buona underscores the need for media professionals and the public alike to cultivate a more empathetic and respectful language when discussing bodies. It encourages a shift from appearance-focused commentary to an appreciation of individuals for their talents, contributions, and unique qualities, independent of their physical form.
Navigating Body Conversations: Tips for Mindful Communication
The Rettore-Arisa incident offers valuable lessons for everyone on how to approach conversations about bodies, particularly in public or semi-public settings. The goal is to foster an environment where individuals feel seen, respected, and valued for who they are, not just what they look like. Here are some practical tips for more mindful communication:
- Focus on Qualities Beyond Appearance: Instead of commenting on someone's weight or body shape, praise their achievements, talent, humor, kindness, intelligence, or work ethic. "You were incredible on stage!" or "I admire your dedication" are always safe and genuinely uplifting.
- Avoid Unsolicited Advice: Unless specifically asked, refrain from offering advice on someone's diet, exercise routine, or perceived need to gain or lose weight. These are deeply personal matters.
- Question Your Intent (and Impact): Before making a comment about someone's body, ask yourself: "Why am I saying this? Is it truly necessary? How might this person receive it, especially given their personal history or current struggles?" Even well-meaning comments can have unintended negative consequences.
- Promote Body Neutrality: While body positivity is important, body neutrality—accepting your body for what it can do, rather than how it looks—can be equally powerful. In conversations, acknowledge bodies as functional vessels without needing to attach a value judgment (good/bad, thin/fat, beautiful/ugly).
- Challenge the "Too Thin" vs. "Too Fat" Dichotomy: Recognize that both "you're too thin" and "you're too fat" comments are forms of body shaming. Both can contribute to body dysmorphia and eating disorders. A healthy body comes in many shapes and sizes.
- Listen and Learn: Pay attention to the evolving discourse around body image. Understand terms like body shaming, fatphobia, and diet culture. Educating yourself can help prevent inadvertently contributing to harmful narratives.
The controversy surrounding the rettore arisa volta buona segment is more than just a fleeting media moment; it’s a critical touchstone in the ongoing conversation about body image, media responsibility, and respectful communication. It underscores that words carry weight, especially in the public sphere, and that fostering an inclusive and empathetic environment requires constant vigilance and a willingness to adapt our language. By choosing kindness, focusing on inner qualities, and respecting individual journeys, we can collectively work towards a media landscape and a society where everyone feels truly seen and valued.