Credit: Twitter
The Italian Ministry of Culture has denied that it ever offered the Colosseum as a venue for a gladiator-style fight between Twitter and SpaceX owner Elon Musk and Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg, as reported by some media outlets. However, the Italian government has put forth one condition to host the fight between two tech billionaires at the large amphitheater.
The rumor, which went viral on social media, claimed that the Italian Ministry of Culture had issued a formal invitation to the two tech billionaires. The ministry asked them to participate in a historic battle in the ancient arena, as a way of celebrating Roman culture and promoting innovation.
However, the Italian Ministry of Culture has issued a statement, clarifying that the invitation was a hoax and that it never authorized or endorsed such a proposal. The statement also added that the Colosseum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Italian cultural heritage and that it cannot be used for any commercial or entertainment purposes without the approval of the competent authorities.
“There has been no formal contact from the ministry nor any written document, even if the news appears tasty it is unfounded,” the statement read. They added, “If Zuckerberg and Musk wanted to perform in the Colosseum they would have to make a non-violent challenge.”
The statement also said that the billionaires would have to make a significant contribution to the heritage site. Italy is facing a serious challenge in maintaining and protecting its cultural heritage, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, which has severely affected the tourism sector and reduced the revenues for cultural activities. In May, the region of Emilia-Romagna was affected by unprecedented flooding.
The idea for a fight between Musk and Zuckerberg first gained traction on social media after it was reported that Facebook was working on a competitor to Twitter, called “Threads”. Plans to hold the fight have since become more real, with Dana White, president of UFC, confirming that he has had conversations with both moguls about setting it up. It's unclear where and when the fight will take place.
