Susanna Riva When the famous Italian actress began dancing on the stage of Dancing with the Stars , the public's curiosity immediately focused on the compensation for her appearance. The media highlighted astronomical figures, circulating rumors of over forty thousand euros per episode plus additional benefits . However, subsequent statements from more reliable sources painted a different picture, indicating an "all-inclusive" amount of 27 thousand euros for each episode, including expenses.
Ornella Muti's actual salary: €27 per episode
According to information from a specialized publication, the actor earns €27 for each episode of Dancing with the Stars . The sum is listed as "all-inclusive," meaning that the figure already includes travel, food, agency fees, and any other expenses related to his television work.
There is no additional payment for the artist's support staff, nor extras for makeup or hair, these latter services being managed by Rai staff like for all the other competitors.
What does the figure of 27 thousand euros include?
In detail, the 27 thousand euros include the amount allocated to the agency that represents Ornella Muti , the out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the recordings, and the actress's net salary.
Makeup and hairstyling are handled internally by Rai, resulting in no additional costs for the movie star. This payment model is the same as that adopted for other participants, ensuring equal treatment and transparency in the program's budget.
The conflicting reports: 40 thousand euros plus 4 thousand euros extra
The crossfire began when a well-known commentator leaked, via a newsletter, that Ornella Muti had signed a contract worth €40 per episode, plus €4 for makeup and other benefits. These figures would have made her salary the highest in the recent history of Dancing with the Stars , far exceeding the salaries of former contestants and judges.
The claim was later questioned by other sources, who emphasized that the €40 estimate was an inflated one with no contractual basis. Specifically, they pointed out that there was no second transfer for support staff, nor any hidden items added to the concession fee. The discrepancy between the two figures fueled a heated debate among fans of the program.
Comparison with other competitors: the Barbara d'Urso case
Speculation about Ornella Muti's compensation has inevitably brought to light the figures attributed to Barbara d'Urso , a judge on the same show. The most widespread rumors cited a salary of around €15 per episode, but other reports have scaled the figure back to €10 per episode. These figures, while substantially lower than Muti's, were still considered high compared to the historical average, which rarely exceeded €5 per contestant.
The comparison highlights how compensation varies significantly depending on the role (contestant vs. judge) and the interviewee's notoriety. However, the €27 figure remains one of the highest ever recorded for a contestant, even if it falls short of the initially rumored record of €44.
The payment mechanism for Dancing with the Stars contestants
The contract between the production of Dancing with the Stars and the contestants stipulates that the compensation be paid directly by the producer, not by RAI. This approach allows the program to have a more flexible budget, capable of including important expenses such as studio rentals, set design, and artist fees. The payment is then split into a single installment, including all incidental costs, avoiding the need for separate transfers for staff or additional services.
In Ornella Muti's specific case, the sum of €27 was defined as the "gross amount," from which agency management costs and operating expenses are deducted. The result is that the actress's net earnings are slightly lower, but still significantly higher than the average for standard competitors.
Impact on television debate and conclusions
The revelation of a lower fee than initially rumored has sparked widespread discussion among the program's fans and industry insiders. On the one hand, the €27 figure confirms the format's ability to attract high-profile talent, while also ensuring more transparent financial management. On the other, the comparison with the hypothetical €40 figure has shown how sensational news can influence audience perception.
Ultimately, the Ornella Muti case epitomizes the typical dynamics of major television shows: famous personalities, significant figures, but always behind a contractual order that is more complex than the initial facial indiscretions might suggest.