Minea Pagni faces online backlash after marrying her former philosophy teacher who is 38 years her senior.
A Controversial Romance
Minea Pagni is a 22-year-old medical student and influencer. She married her former teacher, Massimo, who is now 60. The couple first met when Pagni was only 17. At that time, Massimo was her 55-year-old philosophy instructor. Their romance began years later when Pagni was 21.
Meeting Again Later
The pair met by chance in a bookstore. Pagni told her former teacher about her old schoolgirl crush. Later, she attended his public lectures and asked him for coffee. She says his brilliant mind fascinated her. “A teacher who knew how to light a spark inside people.”
Responding to Critics
Many social media users called Pagni a “gold digger.” Others found the relationship disturbing because he knew her as a child. However, Pagni defended her choice to the New York Post. “I married him for who he is — his mind, his values, and the way he loves.”
Fighting Social Stigma
Pagni wants to fight the prejudice against large age gaps. She believes the criticism shows society’s fears. The couple married about one year after reconnecting. “Today, a year later, we still look at each other with surprise.” Finally, she remains independent despite the intense public reactions.