Italian PM Berlusconi calls TV show a 'brothel'

A furious Silvio Berlusconi has called into a TV show discussing his alleged prostitution scandal, traded insults with the host and said the program was like a “brothel.”

His supporters said Tuesday that the Italian premier had a right to defend himself from accusations made during the show. Critics said the call was a show of aggression from an increasingly desperate man.

Berlusconi is not new to calling live TV shows to complain about coverage. But his comments Monday night were harsher than usual.

He said the show was “disgusting” and that it was being conducted by in a “despicable, vile and repugnant” way. He urged a political ally in the studio to leave this “incredible TV brothel.”