‘X Factor Italy’ Finds New Judge to Replace Asia Argento

Lodo Guenzi to join judges Fedez, Mara Maionchi and Manuel Agnelli beginning Oct. 25

Asia Argento
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“X-Factor Italy” has found a new fourth judge after giving Asia Argento the axe back in August.

Lodo Guenzi, an indie musician and actor, has been tapped to step in for Argento beginning with the show’s live episodes on Thursday, Oct. 25. He will join current judges Fedez, Mara Maionchi and Manuel Agnelli.

Argento was fired from the singing competition after she was accused of having sexually abused a former child actor who once played her son in a movie. In a statement shortly after the allegations were made public by the New York Times, producers Sky Italia and Fremantle said they “would have no choice but to … put an end to the collaboration with Asia Argento” if the accusations were “confirmed.”

The actress will continue to appear on a total of seven pre-taped episodes of the season, which began airing last month.

After emerging as a leader in the #MeToo movement after accusing Harvey Weinstein of rape (a claim his lawyers have denied), Argento found herself facing accusations of her own when now 24-year-old actor and musician Jimmy Bennett came forward saying he engaged in unwanted sex with Argento when he was 17 and she was 37.

Argento agreed to pay Bennett $380,000 last year as part of a private settlement. According to a statement this month from her attorney Mark Jay Heller, Bennett received $250,000 but will not receive the balance.

She has denied any wrongdoing.

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