Clooney named as witness in trial over Berlusconi parties

Clooney has said he was approached by Berlusconi’s team to give evidence about “bunga bunga” parties at Berlusconi’s villas, but says he only visited the premier’s residence once to seek aid for Darfur and declined an invitation to stay.

Berlusconi’s defence lawyer Niccolo Ghedini said that Clooney and soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo are on the defence list because an important prosecution witness cited them.

Clooney said he was willing to give evidence, but added: “I wasn’t at the bunga bunga party.”

“I went to speak about Darfur. ... It was a very interesting conversation to say the least, that became a very different kind of event than anyone ever thought.”

At the end of the meeting, Clooney said he was invited to stay for a party. The actor said he responded: “No, I gotta go.”

The witness list also includes Karima el-Mahroug, or “Ruby the Heart Breaker”, the Moroccan teenager who is alleged to have had sex with Berlusconi in exchange for money when she was under-age. Both she and Berlusconi, 75, have denied a sexual relationship.

Also listed as witnesses are three former aides being tried separately for their alleged role in organising sex-fuelled parties, as well as Mariano Apicella, who has put out four CDs with Berlusconi and often entertains at his residences, and two members of Berlusconi’s defunct government, ex-Foreign Minister Franco Frattini and ex-Education Minister Mariastella Gelmini.

By accepting the witnesses, the court agrees their evidence is relevant, although either side may decide later to reduce the number of witnesses or not to call someone because their testimony is no longer needed. Furthermore, Italy has limited power to compel witnesses living abroad to appear, although courts often arrange video testimony for the convenience of potential witnesses.