Silvio Berlusconi calls into 'vile' TV talk show

A FURIOUS Silvio Berlusconi has called into a TV talk show about the prostitution investigation that has targeted him, trading insults with the host and calling the programme a "brothel".

The outburst stirred strong reactions yesterday after the call was made late on Monday night. The Italian premier's supporters said Mr Berlusconi had a right to defend himself, while his critics called the comments a display of aggression by an increasingly desperate man.

Mr Berlusconi has called live TV shows before to complain about coverage or vent frustration, but his comments were harsher than usual.

"I've been watching a disgusting show, conducted in a despicable, vile and repugnant way," he said.

The talk show host, left-leaning journalist Gad Lerner, invited Mr Berlusconi to tone down his comments and at one point called him a "lout" when the premier made a swipe against the female guests on the show.

"Why don't you go before the magistrates instead of insulting people?" Mr Lerner asked him.

Mr Berlusconi has refused to heed a summons by Milan prosecutors, who have placed him under investigation over allegations he paid for sex with a 17-year-old girl and used his office to cover it up.

The prime minister, 74, has denied wrongdoing, saying he never paid for sex.

"The reality that has been represented here is the opposite of the truth and I feel insulted," Mr Berlusconi said during the show. "I know what I'm saying. You don't," he told the host.

He urged a political ally in the studio to leave this "incredible TV brothel".

The show was on La7, one of the few national channels over which Mr Berlusconi, a media tycoon, has no control.