The public dispute between MEP Aphrodite Latinopoulou and singer Vasilis Païteris shows no signs of easing. On the morning of Wednesday, 24 June 2026, Latinopoulou announced she has already filed legal proceedings against Païteris over comments he made about her and her mother.
‘A vile personal attack’
Speaking to Action24, Latinopoulou described Païteris’s remarks as ‘a vile attack on my personality, my dignity—and especially on my mother, the most sacred person in my life. I will not tolerate such language, nor should any self-respecting person. Anyone who values themselves protects their mother, their honour, and their dignity—except, apparently, certain so-called leftists and hypersensitive types, who display selective sensitivity.’
She stressed that this was not a political disagreement but ‘a direct, unambiguous assault and defamation’, adding that she had already initiated legal action. She also pointed to insinuations Païteris made regarding alleged financial transactions involving one of her staff members and a candidate.
Origins of the clash
The conflict erupted after Latinopoulou, during an ANT1 television interview, stated that ‘some politicians approach Roma people to get elected.’ Her use of the term gýftos (a Greek word historically used for Roma, now widely considered derogatory) prompted Païteris’s response.
The singer sought to clarify terminology related to the Roma community, saying: ‘I’d like to address Ms. Latinopoulou on her use of the word “gýftos.” In everyday Greek slang, “gýftos” refers to a blacksmith who gets dirty—or it’s used dismissively, like “get lost, you gýftos.” “Tsigános” is another outdated, stigmatising term—often implying someone suspicious or threatening just by appearance. We are Rom, Romiá—the singular is “Rom,” the plural “Roma.”’