Ermal Meta, the Italian singer-songwriter known for his introspective lyrics, recently addressed the issue of femicides in Italy, a country grappling with a persistent wave of violence against women. In an interview with LaPresse on April 6, 2025, Meta expressed a deeply personal sentiment: “As a man, I am frightened by the monster that sleeps inside me.” This raw admission reflects his ongoing advocacy against gender-based violence, a cause he’s championed through his music and public statements.
Meta’s words come amid a stark reality—Italy recorded 120 femicides in 2024 alone, with over half committed by partners or ex-partners, according to data from the Italian Interior Ministry. His statement echoes a broader call for men to confront their potential for harm, a theme he’s explored before, notably after the 2023 murder of Giulia Cecchettin, when he urged men to drive societal change. Posts on X and articles from outlets like Il Sole 24 Ore highlight how Meta’s latest remarks have struck a chord, framing femicide not just as a women’s issue but as a crisis requiring male accountability.
He’s not alone in this reflection—experts like sociologist Francesca Coin have noted that Italy’s femicide rate, while lower than some global figures, reveals a cultural lag in dismantling patriarchal norms. Meta’s fear of the “monster” inside suggests an awareness of these ingrained tendencies, a sentiment that’s both a confession and a plea for self-awareness among men. His upcoming album, set for release later in 2025, reportedly includes tracks tackling these themes, continuing his pattern of using art as activism. What do you think of his approach—does it resonate, or is it just words in the face of a systemic problem?
