​The Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition (IAOVC) expressed deep disappointment and shock at the ignorant characterization of an elderly Italian American man on a recent episode of MasterChef Junior. IAOVC is calling on Mr. Bastianich to apologize publicly for promoting such a negative image of Italian American men.

​We do make a difference! Just look at how our efforts changed things big and small in 2014. In just one year we were able to educate those in the media and elsewhere about what it means to be an Italian American. We also put others on notice that we are watching and will no longer sit still when our heritage is attacked.

​Cable Network A&E’s latest reality show that stereotypes and denigrates Italian Americans, “The Godfather of Pittsburgh,” has been cancelled after only 3 episodes. The show was targeted by the Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition, UNICO National and many Italian Americans. The show is replete with mob-inspired messaging and references to criminal activity and violence. “Godfather of Pittsburgh” follows Vince Isoldi, who operates several businesses including a strip club, and says, despite the show’s title, “I’m just a businessman. I’m not mafia.”

​The Italian American One Voice Coalition (IAOVC) has denounced A&E’s latest and most disgraceful “reality” series to date, “The Godfather of Pittsburgh” and called on the show’s sponsors to cease and desist their sponsorship. Dr. Manny Alfano, President and Founder of IAOVC stated emphatically, “This show is a disgrace and insult to all Italian Americans. It perpetuates a negative stereotype to the worst degree possible.” He further stated, “The show is without merit or any redeeming qualities; it does not represent the millions of law abiding, decent Americans of Italian descent who have every right to be proud of a rich cultural heritage and the many contributions their families have made to this country.”

The Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition (“IAOVC”) has denounced A&E’s latest and most disgraceful “reality” series to date: “The Godfather of Pittsburgh,” and called on the show’s sponsors to cease and desist their sponsorship.  Dr. Manny Alfano, President and Founder of IAOVC stated emphatically: “This show is a disgrace and insult to all Italian Americans.  It perpetuates a negative stereotype to the worst degree possible.”  He further stated “The show is without merit or any redeeming qualities; it does not represent the millions of law abiding, decent Americans of Italian descent who have every right to be proud of a rich cultural heritage and the many contributions their families have made to this country.” 

​FAIRFIELD, NJ — UNICO National, the nation’s largest Italian American service and charitable organization, has joined the Italian American ONE VOICE COALTION in publicly denouncing the recent comments made by Chuck Todd, host of NBC’s “Meet the Press.”