The Archaeological Park of Pompeii has denied rumors that American pop star Madonna is hosting her 66th birthday party at its 2,200-year-old amphitheater.
Over the past week, rumors have swirled around a supposed party of 500 A-listers that Madonna planned to throw inside the archaeological site. Orlando Bloom was named, as was Katy Perry. The Italian Minister for Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, was said to have snagged an invite, suggesting the organizers had ironed out any wrinkles ahead of time.
Some reporting even detailed Madonna’s itinerary, suggesting that on August 16 the Queen of Pop would arrive at the marina in Stabia via yacht before being driven to Pompeii, where she would change into an outfit created by Italian fashion designer Francesco Scognamiglio.
Then, on August 12, Pompeii’s authorities dryly extinguished the story.
“Regarding the rumors circulating in the press in recent days about a ‘mega-party’ of an international celebrity with 500 guests at the archaeological site of Pompeii, as well as about the alleged renting for €30,000 [$32,900] of the large amphitheater, the Archaeological Park of Pompeii specifies that these are unfounded reports,” read the press release.
The Amphitheater that was rumored to host her birthday party was built around 80 B.C.E. Photo: Getty Images.
The statement specifically addressed backlash that had stemmed from the allegedly low price Madonna was paying for the rental, rumored to have been booked by an American events company.
A number of Italian political figures had pushed back.
“Thirty thousand Euros is absurd. It’s like giving Pompeii away,” said Michele Campisi, the general secretary of Italia Nostra, the country’s oldest association devoted to protecting historical and artistic heritage. “Why does Madonna need to go to Pompeii? Is there not a more beautiful beach she could use?”
While the amphitheater has previously been used for fashion shows and cultural events, Rosanna Carrieri, president of cultural heritage organization Mi Riconosci (translating to “remember me”) warned about the ills of using heritage sites as scenic backdrops for private events.
In contrast, Pompeii’s mayor, Carmine Lo Sapio, told Italian newspaper La Repubblica that “we are ready to welcome the singer.” Apparently, the archaeological site was not.
Madonna, née Marie Louise Ciccone, is of Italian heritage on her father’s side and has previously thrown parties in Noto, Sicily, and Borgo Egnazia, Puglia.