Pirozzi Scandal

The **Pirozzi Scandal** or the **Crockery Affair** (Italian: *Affare stoviglie*) is an event involving Carlo Lodovico, Duke of Caserta, who was accused of murdering Neapolitan socialist Giovanni Pirozzi in the Kingdom of Naples. Even though it was proven false later on, it polarized the general population and greatly damaged the Royal Family and Luigi I’s image.

## Early Developments

### Initial Article

On August 10, 1932, Carlo Lodovico, Duke of Caserta, penned a medium-sized article for a local Neapolitan publication. The focus of his piece was initially the subpar quality of a recent delivery of tableware products he had received. However, the article took a significant turn as the Duke accused the Neapolitan Ceramics Trade Union of exacerbating the issue.

In the letter, the Duke not only highlighted the problems with his tableware but also argued for a firm crackdown on unions. He proposed an alternative solution in the form of a new worker's syndicate to be overseen by the state. Interestingly, while the article began with his tableware grievances, it was his proposal regarding workers' syndicates and state involvement that garnered the most attention among initial readers. Consequently, the tableware story was perceived as merely an introduction to the broader issues he raised.

### Union's Response

Unexpectedly, Arturo Lori, a spokesperson for several syndicates in Naples, delivered a startling response to the Duke's article. He chose an unconventional method, using posters and worker's newspapers to make a shocking accusation against Carlo Ludovico. In a bold statement, Lori affirmed that Carlo Ludovico had ordered the murder of a 19-year-old socialist named Giovanni Pirozzi. This accusation would send shockwaves through the community and spark controversy surrounding the Duke's actions and reputation.

Carlo Ludovico vehemently denied the grave allegations brought against him by Arturo Lori. Reportedly, in a rare encounter on the streets, the Duke confronted Lori and unleashed a tirade of curses in response to the accusations.

## Allegations

In a comprehensive 12-page record, Arturo Lori detailed various pieces of information and included a chronological timeline of events:

* In 19 November 1931, the Duke of Caserta was heckled during a political speech in Naples supposedly by Pirozzi
* In 21 November 1931, several press reports on the failure of his address and has credited the then still hidden Pirozzi
* In between December to February, Carlo Lodovico requests his entourage to track and assassinate the disruptor.
* In between March to June, Pirozzi was killed via hanging in Melizzano (the prince's personal field) after getting kidnapped from his parent's home in Casoria. He was immediately buried after and no traces of him are left

## Case Study

Several complex factors further complicated the situation. Pirozzi's parents had tragically passed away before 1930, and his surviving relatives were distantly removed, making it challenging to ascertain the exact circumstances of his demise. Given that there was no formal accusation against Carlo Ludovico, the local authorities lacked the legal authority to conduct a search of his property. Although some town residents claimed to have seen a deceased individual in the vicinity, they couldn't definitively confirm whether this occurred on the Duke's land.

### Derivation

The source of Arturo Lori's allegations remains shrouded in mystery, as his report lacked clear and verifiable sources. Lori himself did not provide additional information or commentary on the allegations before his passing. Consequently, various theories have emerged regarding the origin of the original claims, but none have been definitively proven.

### Final Report

On December 2, 1932, the Neapolitan police and their investigative team confirmed the existence of an individual named Giovanni Pirozzi, whose death occurred on March 8, 1932. According to their findings, Pirozzi had passed away due to lung cancer. This official report contradicted the original accusation and effectively cleared Carlo Ludovico of the alleged wrongdoing.

## Aftermath

The explosive media coverage of the case, both domestically and abroad, turned it into an international sensation. This controversy significantly marred the reputation of the royal family and Luigi I. The lack of clarity in the final police report gave rise to numerous conspiracy theories, which spanned the political spectrum from left to right. Carlo Ludovico, in response, referred to the scandal as "an epitome of a larger socialist scheme."

In July 1933, Arturo Lori, the spokesperson at the center of the allegations, passed away from a stroke at his residence.

### Book Adaptations

Agatha Christie, the renowned author of detective novels, drew inspiration from this event to craft her novel "The Rich Man's Game." The storyline revolves around a wealthy magnate, Benjamin Lowrey (inspired by Carlo Lodovico), who finds himself accused of murdering a fellow whistleblower. Detective Hercule Poirot embarks on a complex investigation, delving into various business interests, and uncovering layers of corruption concealed beneath seemingly straightforward allegations. Despite Lowrey's unethical demeanor, it is revealed that the entire case was concocted by a newspaper company as a sensational publicity stunt to boost their sales.