Johann Grech Under Fire After Ridley Scott’s Comments Fuel Controversy In Malta
The fallout from Ridley Scott’s recent remarks about not recommending Malta as a holiday destination continues to intensify, with politicians, activists, and public figures weighing in on the controversy.
From calls for the resignation of Film Commissioner Johann Grech to fiery critiques of Malta’s priorities, the debate has laid bare the tensions surrounding Malta’s film industry and national identity.
Nationalist MP Julie Zahra has strongly criticised Johann Grech, accusing him of manipulating Ridley Scott’s comments to suit his narrative while ignoring the deeper issues at hand.
“Listen Johann, thanks for the €47 million. But neither I nor anyone else wants anyone to come to Malta,” Zahra said, referencing the record-breaking cash rebate Scott’s production received for Gladiator 2.
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She highlighted Grech’s failure to address the humiliation caused by Scott’s remarks, accusing him of prioritising self-promotion over meaningful support for Malta’s film industry.
Andre Callus from Moviment Graffitti criticised the outcry over Ridley Scott’s comments, calling it hypocritical.
“How pathetic is this cheap patriotism over Ridley Scott’s comments,” Callus said, pointing out that the same political representatives lamenting Scott’s words are actively destroying Malta’s heritage for profit.
He referenced recent decisions to destroy a historic barracks at Fort Chambray for apartments and to bury Villa Rosa and its surrounding valley to benefit foreign investors.
“First, they sell out their country to serve a few elites, and then they puff out their chests to defend our nation from enemies that don’t even exist,” Callus remarked.
Podcaster Jon Mallia delivered a blistering critique of Johann Grech, accusing him of being more concerned with his image than the well-being of Malta’s film industry.
“Johann Grech couldn’t care less about those who employ him or fund his luxurious travels,” Mallia said.
Mallia also called out Grech for sharing an edited version of Ridley Scott’s interview to avoid scrutiny.
“Pack up and, if you’re capable, go find a job in the private sector. Spoiler alert: you’re not,” he concluded.
However, Labour figure Jason Micallef echoed Adrian Delia’s sentiments, calling for a united condemnation of Ridley Scott’s remarks.
“I was born and taught to practice ‘Malta first and foremost’ always and everywhere. I will never bow to any international bully, no matter how famous they might be,” Micallef said.
He urged both the public and the government to stand firm against Scott’s words, dismissing them as “blabber” and “words in the blank”.
What do you make of Ridley Scott’s comments and the heated reactions they’ve sparked?
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