The frontman of the British rock band Placebo has been charged with defamation after he allegedly called the Italian prime minister a “fascist” and a “Nazi” while on stage.

Italy’s justice ministry approved on Monday a request from prosecutors to charge Brian Molko, a 52-year-old Scottish-American, over comments he made about Giorgia Meloni during a concert in Turin in 2023.

Mr Molko allegedly called Ms Meloni a “piece of s---, fascist, racist” as well as a “Nazi” at the Sonic Park festival in Stupinigi which drew about 5,000 people.

Turin prosecutors responded to a complaint from police at the festival and opened an investigation into Mr Molko for defamation and contempt.

Defamation in Italy can include a prison term of up to three years, but a prison sentence is unlikely to be imposed in this case, according to a spokesman for Carlo Nordio, the justice minister.

He said that the lead singer was more likely to face a fine of up to €5,000 (£4,200) if the charges were upheld.