Ruby Rubacuori

Berlusconi’s “Bunga Bunga”: “My life ruined”

Ruby, then a minor, and the powerful Berlusconi: what was going on at the orgies in his villa?

(Bild: AP, EPA, krone.at-Grafik)

Her real name was Karima El Mahroug, but the former belly dancer became known worldwide under her nickname "Ruby Rubacuori" (robber of hearts). The young woman, a minor at the time, was caught up in a whirlwind of sex and power games by the now deceased Silvio Berlusconi, performed at the Vienna Opera Ball, fled abroad and now lives in seclusion. But now she is back in court.

The "Caso Ruby" brought Berlusconi to trial in 2010 for abuse of office and promoting prostitution with minors. A total of 16 women are said to have been involved in the case. Berlusconi was convicted in the first instance, but a supreme court overturned the verdict and ruled for acquittal. 13 years later, Karima, who comes from Morocco, was acquitted in the trial for possible witness bribery in connection with the "Bunga Bunga" scandal. In 2023, she published her biography, in which she repeatedly emphasized: "I could have prostituted myself, but I didn't."