‘I REGRET NOTHING’

Dictator’s Granddaughter Wins Grand Prize on Reality TV Show

The controversial figure has often defended her grandfather and fascism.

The Mussolini family can now count at least one win among their achievements. Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini’s granddaughter, Alessandra Mussolini, won $116,000 after securing first place on Italy’s Big Brother Tuesday night. “I enjoyed everything to the fullest, just as I am. I regret nothing,” the 63-year-old said after winning Grande Fratello VIP. Those close to her advised the former politician against her foray into reality television. “Everyone told me not to do Big Brother. But every time people tell me ‘don’t do it, don’t do it, don’t do it,’ I instantly think: ‘I’ll do it now,’” she said. Despite the controversy surrounding her, she became a big hit and was described by Italian media as “bossy, irresistible and strong-willed.” Alessandra has had a long history in the public eye, first as a Playboy model and then with a brief stint making pop music for a Japanese audience. She later moved on to her family’s preferred profession, politics, joining the neo-fascist Social Movement party in 1992. Her family’s fascist background has haunted her throughout her career as she’s switched between six parties over the decades. She resigned from the National Alliance Party in 2003 after its leader called fascism the “absolute evil.” In 2006, she told transgender activist Vladimir Luxuria, “It is better to be a fascist than a f----t,” when accused of holding that political identity. She also got into an online feud with Jim Carrey, calling him a “bastard” after he posted a political comic of her grandfather’s execution. Benito Mussolini started the fascist movement in 1919 and led Italy from 1922 until his overthrow in 1943.