Whatever side of the fence you sit on regarding on-track drama surrounding Valentino Rossi, it's never nice for anyone to go through difficult situations in their personal life. Unfortunately, for Rossi, he can't seem to escape a dramatic family dispute off the track, which involves his father, Graziano Rossi, and Graziano's girlfriend of 12 years. Now, the issue has gone so far that Valentino is taking legal action.
To fully understand the problems Valentino is facing, some context is required. In 2024, Valentino requested guardianship over his father, which was based on advice from Graziano's doctors and granted by a judge. But last year, Graziano requested that Valentino's guardianship be revoked, following a medical evaluation that determined he was fit to take care of himself, and the judge granted it.
Since Graziano obtained the revocation of Valentino's appointment, the 71-year-old has apparently been drifting apart from his family. "It's as if I no longer have a father," Valentino said before continuing, "His romantic relationship has led to a total rift with the family, and I don't understand why. Nothing, cut off, everyone, as if we were carriers of some kind of threat. For me, everything that happens is dictated by the love I have for him and the fear that he is not well."
A family rift isn't grounds to take legal action, but a theft is. Valentino reported that his father's partner stole €200,000 from Graziano. According to local Italian media, €100,000 of the money was used for a loan, around €34,000 in cash withdrawals, and €42,000 is unaccounted for. But a judge will decide whether this is, in fact, a theft or an issue between a father and his son.
According to Valentino, the issue isn't about the money, but rather worry for his father, who could be in a potentially manipulative relationship and vulnerable position. “Money, in this story, is irrelevant, luckily for me and also for Graziano,” Valentino said before continuing, "I don’t understand why, given that both my mother, Stefania, and I have always had a strong and important emotional relationship with Graziano. The same thing is happening with Clara, his daughter, and her mother, Lorena."
It's unclear whether the judge will rule in Valentino's favor, but according to the 9-time world champion, “For me, everything that happens is determined by the love I have for him and the fear that he’s not okay. This is a story dictated by love, nothing more. [It’s] a situation that saddens me and all of us greatly.” Our thoughts are with the family during what must be a difficult situation.
