Mural of Italian Volleyball Star Paola Egonu Defaced with Racist Graffiti

The artwork celebrated Egonu's role in Italy's first Olympic gold in women's volleyball, but was vandalized within a day.

Rome's mayor condemned the vandalism as a 'vile, shameful insult' to Egonu and the artist Laika.
Egonu, born in Italy to Nigerian parents, has faced years of racist abuse despite her athletic achievements.
The mural, titled 'Italianness,' featured Egonu spiking a ball with an anti-racism message.
Politicians and public figures across Italy have denounced the act and expressed solidarity with Egonu.
A passerby attempted to restore the original mural by repainting over the defaced sections.