Anne Hathaway’s Former Partner, Raffaello Follieri, Resurfaces with Bold Claims

After years of silence, Raffaello Follieri, the Italian ex-boyfriend of Anne Hathaway, is back in the spotlight.

Many may recall that Follieri was sentenced to four and a half years in prison back in 2008 after pleading guilty to 14 counts of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering in Manhattan federal court.

The couple had already parted ways before his incarceration.

Upon his release from a federal prison in Pennsylvania in 2012, Follieri was deported back to Italy, and he seemed to fade from public attention.

However, recent reports indicate that he has resurfaced with some ambitious plans.

According to Page Six, Follieri has been making claims in the Italian press about his intention to purchase a 50 percent stake in the Foggia Calcio soccer club in Southern Italy.

He asserts that his former investors, including Ron Burkle, part owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team, are supporting him in this endeavor.

However, Burkle's lawyer has contradicted Follieri's statements, stating categorically, “Follieri is simply fabricating these stories.

There is absolutely no chance that Ron would engage in any form of investment with him, whether direct or indirect.”

Vanity Fair has attempted to seek comment from Burkle's investment firm, The Yucaipa Companies, and the Pittsburgh Penguins regarding Follieri's claims.

As of now, no response has been received.

Despite the denial, Follieri remains steadfast in his belief that Burkle is indeed backing him.

He expressed his frustration, saying, “My interviews in the Italian press were accurate and precise.

It's disheartening that even after serving my sentence, some individuals continue to undermine me and deny giving someone a second chance.”

Interestingly, it appears that Follieri has maintained his working relationship with his publicist, Melanie Bonvicino, who stood by his side throughout the legal proceedings.

Vanity