Children! The gay icon Ilona Staller, otherwise known as Cicciolina, has released her own flavour of ChatGPT. It was the perfect opportunity to talk about the gaze, politics and fashion with mother. Her brand new site is super kitsch and noughties. Her saucy photos from the 70s stand the test of time, as well as some of her radical ideas.
She’s campaigned for women’s bodily autonomy, seeking reduced censorship and increased rights. This included flashing a breast outside of the Italian parliament. When it comes to tech, Cicciolina herself somewhat avoids the question of AI including the issues with sustainability and feminism, stating, “I don’t want to get into ethical morals; it’s an invention of our times, and we’ll have to see what it will lead to in the future.” She’s situating herself in the present with this new addition to her site and is keen to discuss the miracle of TikTok.
Her ChatGPT interface did reply on ethics; “Social care and environmental awareness are part of the design. Cicciolina might say: Freedom without responsibility is just noise. But when freedom respects life and the planet… then it becomes revolution.” This invented and rather vague dialogue on ChatGPT indicates whatever the future we might be entering into with this technology, it’s strange. One with opaque morals that holds a mirror up, uncritically, to users, creating an echo-chamber. Approach with care. Another tough realisation in this conversation is Ilona Staller’s support for Trump based on her hope for peace. For a different approach to the nightmare of American Politics, see Facing the Nightmare issue 52 of METAL here and Ben Turnbull’s art here. For a fun conversation that touches on campaigning for gay rights, Brigitte Bardot and being a fashion icon, it’s below.
You’ve lived so many lives and marked contemporary culture with your style and boldness. How do you prefer to introduce yourself?
Also, your contributions to Italian politics are important, including advocating for sex workers to self-manage their profession and for same-sex marriage. What is your response to the conservative government now passing anti-gay laws that arguably limit sexual freedom?
Also, your contributions to Italian politics are important, including advocating for sex workers to self-manage their profession and for same-sex marriage. What is your response to the conservative government now passing anti-gay laws that arguably limit sexual freedom?
I have always been a political woman who is very free in my thinking, speaking about sexual freedom as a foundation of today’s society. I made several legislative proposals to the Italian Parliament between 1987 and 1992, when I was a member of the Radical Party.
In one of my proposals, I advocated for the possibility for sex workers to self-manage their work, to be able to pay taxes and not be forced to stay on the streets, where they are at risk of being killed or subjected to exploitation by criminal men! Moreover, in a self-managed system, they would have regular medical check-ups, which is essential.
Some governments around the world limit sexual freedom and pass anti-gay laws. I think that's wrong! Today’s society has evolved. I myself am a gay icon and have many friends in the LGBTQ community, they are loving people.
In one of my proposals, I advocated for the possibility for sex workers to self-manage their work, to be able to pay taxes and not be forced to stay on the streets, where they are at risk of being killed or subjected to exploitation by criminal men! Moreover, in a self-managed system, they would have regular medical check-ups, which is essential.
Some governments around the world limit sexual freedom and pass anti-gay laws. I think that's wrong! Today’s society has evolved. I myself am a gay icon and have many friends in the LGBTQ community, they are loving people.
How do you relate to the LGBTQ+ community?
I find same-sex marriage perfectly normal. After all, Ricky Martin, a singer, is married to another beautiful man, and they have two wonderful children. The same goes for Elton John. We're in 2025, this should no longer be something scandalous! I always say, and it is my slogan: Long Live Sexual Freedom, Long Live Freedom of Thought. I believe in universal love!
Congratulations on the launch of your new website. What steps have been taken to make your new AI online chatbot safe as well as environmentally respectful? I expect there are boundaries in place to prevent harmful or belittling conversations.
I am absolutely thrilled about my new website! I worked for 3 months to rebuild this new gem of a site. I’ve added some real innovations, thanks to artificial intelligence, my fans can now see what I’m doing throughout the day with just one click, and it’s done.
I also included a feature where fans can request personalised videos such as birthday or anniversary greetings, or even a declaration of love to a girlfriend or boyfriend. In addition, the Shop section allows fans to purchase my beautiful 230-page full-colour autobiographical photo book, Memorie, which includes over 1,000 stunning photos of me, along with a special autograph sealed with my lipstick kiss. They can also buy my lingerie, t-shirts, music CDs, and various other items.
I also included a feature where fans can request personalised videos such as birthday or anniversary greetings, or even a declaration of love to a girlfriend or boyfriend. In addition, the Shop section allows fans to purchase my beautiful 230-page full-colour autobiographical photo book, Memorie, which includes over 1,000 stunning photos of me, along with a special autograph sealed with my lipstick kiss. They can also buy my lingerie, t-shirts, music CDs, and various other items.
How about social media?
Soon, I’ll start going live on TikTok, because I love the idea of connecting with a large, global audience. In addition to TikTok, I’m also active on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). My fans are going to be absolutely delighted with all my new projects!
Active consent as well as boundaries are really important to include in conversations on sex and porn. How much has changed since the 1970s?
In the 1970s, times were more rigid and controlled. Today, many people, fathers, engineers, doctors, secretly meet with women or men and have extramarital affairs. There are many platforms like YouPorn that provide great services for people who enjoy adult content.
Have you posed for women as a model? How do you relate to the female gaze?
Yes, I’ve posed for many photographers as a model and artist for major magazines. I especially love working with women, we often share fascinating conversations. Women have a special eye for detail and image. I love that. I have female friends I adore, who often give me great advice, and we enjoy travelling together. Long live women!
What’s your opinion on fashion? Is it becoming more inclusive?
I absolutely adore the fashion world. Years ago, I walked the runway at the Vienna Theater for Jean Paul Gaultier. Then I modeled on the Spanish Steps in Rome for Egon von Fürstenberg. I had a wonderful evening event with the fantastic Riccardo Tisci, and for three seasons I was a testimonial for Bottega Veneta during Fashion Week with Matthieu Blazy.
I love fashion, I love walking in those stunning costumes. And in the future, I will continue to be an icon of international fashion.
I love fashion, I love walking in those stunning costumes. And in the future, I will continue to be an icon of international fashion.
On your site, often you choose to cover your face with filters whilst other mature celebrities are going barefaced, without makeup in front of the camera. Can you share more about your choices and experiences?
Both on social media and on my official website, I will continue posting beautiful images and why not, sometimes even with filters. I believe beautiful images have charisma.
I’m beautiful even without filters, but I love a sophisticated look, like in David Hamilton’s photos. It bothers me when I’m invited to an elegant dinner or event and some random paparazzo takes an unflattering photo of me! With the same effort, why not take stunning images that make people dream, photos that travel the world?
Let’s remember all the stars Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, they all had legendary, retouched photos. They were gorgeous and became immortal icons! Even Paul Newman had touched-up pictures, like my love, Al Pacino.
I’m beautiful even without filters, but I love a sophisticated look, like in David Hamilton’s photos. It bothers me when I’m invited to an elegant dinner or event and some random paparazzo takes an unflattering photo of me! With the same effort, why not take stunning images that make people dream, photos that travel the world?
Let’s remember all the stars Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, they all had legendary, retouched photos. They were gorgeous and became immortal icons! Even Paul Newman had touched-up pictures, like my love, Al Pacino.
What is the intention behind your Baby Cicciolina curation?
Cicciolina is a sweet, naïve character, timeless. As a little girl, I used to wear my mum’s lipstick and high heels. As a teen, when I had small breasts, I stuffed my bra with cotton to look more grown-up. But as teenagers, we see the world as innocent and beautiful.
Today, I see the world has changed, for the worse. There’s arms trafficking, wars, human trafficking, even organ sales. My God! Why must innocent people be massacred and entire populations wiped out just for money and the thirst for power?
I stand for peace. Peace, love, no war and this is why I supported Trump in his election as he said he wants world peace.
I’m not a fabricated personality. I’ve worked for my success, I didn’t go from one producer’s bed to another. I’m proud to be a free woman, proud of my open-minded thinking, and proud that I’ve stayed the joyful flower child I once was. I don’t use drugs, I’m not an alcoholic, and I’m proud of that too. I care about my health, and I want to make the world a better place through global TV messages — especially since my life line on my hand goes to 100 years!
Today, I see the world has changed, for the worse. There’s arms trafficking, wars, human trafficking, even organ sales. My God! Why must innocent people be massacred and entire populations wiped out just for money and the thirst for power?
I stand for peace. Peace, love, no war and this is why I supported Trump in his election as he said he wants world peace.
I’m not a fabricated personality. I’ve worked for my success, I didn’t go from one producer’s bed to another. I’m proud to be a free woman, proud of my open-minded thinking, and proud that I’ve stayed the joyful flower child I once was. I don’t use drugs, I’m not an alcoholic, and I’m proud of that too. I care about my health, and I want to make the world a better place through global TV messages — especially since my life line on my hand goes to 100 years!
Finally, what is the most fabulous thing about being you?
I have many important projects. I’m looking for a studio to record new songs because, as you know, I sing and have a beautiful, melodious voice. I paint cool paintings too and I love contemporary art. I was married to Jeff Koons, who introduced me to the world of contemporary art. From our marriage came my beautiful son, Ludwig Koons, now 32 years old. He lives in New York and works in the art world too.
Since 1993, I’ve been living alone. I’m single, and I like it. I’m very selective when it comes to love. I haven’t found the right man but if it happens, so be it.
Since 1993, I’ve been living alone. I’m single, and I like it. I’m very selective when it comes to love. I haven’t found the right man but if it happens, so be it.
