RAI apologized Feb. 21, 2026, after an off-air comment urging avoidance of Israel’s bobsleigh team aired during Olympics coverage.

Italy’s state broadcaster RAI apologized on February 21, 2026, after an off-air comment urging producers to “avoid” the Israeli bobsleigh team—referenced as “crew number 21”—was accidentally broadcast during Olympic coverage. The remark, cut off mid-sentence, drew immediate condemnation from Israel’s ambassador, who called it incitement to hatred, and prompted RAI’s CEO and board to denounce it as a serious breach of impartiality and inclusion. An internal inquiry was launched, following the recent resignation of RAI’s sports division head over controversial opening ceremony commentary. The broadcaster apologized to the Jewish community, athletes, and viewers, acknowledging the incident damaged its credibility.