Estonia’s Eurovision 2025 entry, ‘Espresso Macchiato’, has triggered a heated controversy. The song, performed by Tommy Cash, has drawn strong criticism from Italian audiences and officials who claim it promotes negative stereotypes about their culture. This backlash has led to calls for Estonia’s song to be withdrawn or modified before the competition.
Who is Tommy Cash?
Tommy Cash is an Estonian rapper and performance artist known for his eccentric style and provocative art, especially in his concerts. His music blends elements of hip-hop, electronic beats, and surreal humor. Over the years, he has collaborated with major artists like Charli XCX, Diplo, and Oliver Tree, earning a reputation for pushing boundaries in the music industry.
For Eurovision 2025, Tommy Cash was selected to represent Estonia with his song ‘Espresso Macchiato’, a track that quickly gained attention for its quirky lyrics and playful energy. While the Estonian audience found it entertaining, the song has not been well received in Italy.
Why is ‘Espresso Macchiato’ Controversial?
The controversy stems from the lyrics and themes of ‘Espresso Macchiato’, which some Italians believe reinforce outdated stereotypes. The song, performed in both English and Italian, features lines like:
- “Sweating like a mafioso”
- “Life is like spaghetti”
- “Drink espresso, speak with passion”
Many Italians feel these lines reduce their culture to clichés about coffee, pasta, and organized crime. Critics argue that such generalizations are offensive and diminish Italy’s rich heritage. The Italian consumer group Codacons has called for the song’s removal from Eurovision, labeling it “insensitive” and “offensive.”
Codacons’ Formal Complaint to the EBU
Codacons, Italy’s leading consumer protection association, has filed an official complaint with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). They demand that the song be either modified or disqualified from the competition, arguing that it offends not just Italy but the entire Italian-speaking community worldwide.
In their official statement, Codacons expressed their frustration:
“Eurovision should be a celebration of culture, diversity, and inclusion. Allowing a song that mocks Italian identity contradicts the competition’s spirit.”
The EBU has yet to respond, but given the backlash, a decision is expected soon.
Italian Public Reaction: Divided Opinions
While officials and critics have voiced outrage, public opinion in Italy is mixed. Many Italians find the song humorous and see it as lighthearted fun. Social media is flooded with discussions, memes, and debates on whether the outrage is justified or exaggerated.
Some argue that other Eurovision entries have used stereotypes before, and ‘Espresso Macchiato’ is no different. Others feel that national pride should not be mocked on an international stage. The hashtag #BanEspressoMacchiato has trended on Twitter in Italy, while supporters have started #LetTommySing to defend artistic freedom.
Estonia’s Response to the Backlash
Estonian officials and Eurovision organizers have defended their selection. The Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) released a statement saying:
“Tommy Cash is a unique artist, and ‘Espresso Macchiato’ is meant to be humorous. Estonia does not intend to offend anyone, and we support artistic freedom.”
Tommy Cash himself responded on Instagram, stating that the song was meant to celebrate Italy, not mock it. He posted a video sipping an espresso, captioned “I love Italy… and espresso macchiatos”, which received thousands of mixed reactions.
Could Estonia Be Forced to Change Their Entry?
Eurovision has a history of modifying or banning controversial entries. In 2016, Armenia was forced to change its lyrics due to political implications. In 2019, Iceland’s participants faced penalties for displaying political banners.
If the EBU rules against Estonia, they may have to:
- Modify the lyrics to remove offensive phrases
- Issue a formal apology to Italian audiences
- Withdraw the song and replace it with another entry
As Estonia is not part of the “Big Five” countries that fund Eurovision, they have less influence over EBU decisions. If pressure from Italy continues, Estonia might have no choice but to comply.
The Role of Satire in Eurovision
Eurovision has long been a stage for bold, humorous, and sometimes controversial performances. Entries like Finland’s Lordi (2006) and Iceland’s Hatari (2019) pushed creative boundaries while sparking debate.
Some experts argue that Tommy Cash is simply following Eurovision’s tradition of theatrical, exaggerated performances. His supporters claim that humor and satire are essential to the contest’s appeal. However, in an era of heightened cultural sensitivity, the line between comedy and offense is thinner than ever.
What Happens Next?
As the Eurovision contest approaches, all eyes are on the EBU’s decision regarding ‘Espresso Macchiato‘. Will they allow the song to proceed unchanged, or will pressure from Italy force a revision?
One thing is clear: this controversy has given Estonia’s entry more attention than ever. Whether the backlash will hurt or help Tommy Cash’s chances remains to be seen.
For now, ‘Espresso Macchiato’ remains a song that divides opinion, sparking conversations about satire, cultural representation, and the limits of artistic freedom.
