The firing of Juan Bernabe, the falconer responsible for handling SS Lazio’s iconic eagle mascot Olympia, after his social media posts featuring his prosthetic genitalia, presents a fascinating intersection of individual expression, public relations, and the cultural symbolism tied to sports institutions. This case illustrates not only how personal actions of club personnel can impact an entire organization’s image, but also raises questions about privacy, professionalism, and contemporary norms in the digital age.
The Role of the Falconer and the Eagle Mascot
SS Lazio, a venerable Italian Serie A football club based in Rome, is renowned for its strong traditions and passionate fanbase. Among these traditions is the flying of an eagle mascot named Olympia over the stadium before matches, symbolizing power, freedom, and the spirit of the club. The falconer’s role is integral; handling the eagle requires skill and dedication, as the bird is a living emblem of Lazio’s identity.
Juan Bernabe had served as Lazio’s eagle handler since the 2010-2011 season, a position that made him an important figure in the matchday experience for fans and a visible representative of the club’s heritage. The falconer’s role is not merely ceremonial; it involves a deep understanding of the bird’s behavior, ensuring its well-being, and maintaining the spectacle that has become a hallmark of Lazio’s identity. The eagle’s flight is a moment of anticipation and excitement for fans, and Bernabe’s expertise was crucial in delivering this experience consistently.
The Controversy: Prosthetic Penis Surgery and Social Media Posts
In early 2024, Bernabe underwent surgery to have a penile implant, intended to enhance his sexual performance rather than serving a medical necessity. Following the procedure, he posted explicit photos and videos of his prosthetic penis on his private social media accounts. Although reportedly done without ill intent, these posts were widely viewed as inappropriate given his public association with Lazio.
Lazio’s management responded swiftly and decisively, terminating Bernabe’s contract “with immediate effect,” citing the seriousness of his behavior. The official statement underscored shock and disappointment at the content shared and the accompanying commentary, highlighting a breach of expectations for conduct for anyone associated with the club. The club’s decision to fire Bernabe was not just about the content of the posts but also about the potential damage to the club’s image. Lazio is a club with a rich history and a strong sense of tradition, and the actions of its employees, even in their private lives, can reflect on the club as a whole.
Public and Media Reaction
This incident generated significant media coverage and social media debate. Some fans and observers expressed disbelief and amusement at the unconventional reason behind the falconer’s dismissal. Others criticized the club’s handling, arguing that the posts were shared on a private account and involved Bernabe’s personal body, raising privacy concerns.
The topic also engaged conversations about workplace boundaries in the digital era, especially for public-facing roles tied to institutions with broad community reach. The case underlined delicate lines between personal freedom of expression and professional expectations, especially when one’s personal life becomes entangled with a public brand. The incident also sparked discussions about the role of social media in modern society and the blurred lines between public and private life. In an age where social media platforms are ubiquitous, individuals must be mindful of the potential consequences of their online activities, even if they believe their accounts to be private.
Implications for Lazio and Its Traditions
Bernabe’s firing meant that Olympia, the eagle mascot whose dramatic flights energized crowds at Lazio’s home games, was grounded indefinitely. Losing the symbolic presence of Olympia arguably diminishes the atmosphere that fans have come to cherish and complicates the club’s efforts to preserve tradition amidst modern challenges.
Moreover, the delay—months between Bernabe’s dismissal in January and his eviction from the club’s training ground residence—added another layer of intrigue and logistical challenges for Lazio. The absence of Olympia has been felt by fans, who have expressed their disappointment and concern over the club’s ability to maintain its traditions. The eagle’s flight is more than just a pre-match spectacle; it is a symbol of the club’s identity and heritage. The club’s management must now find a way to restore this tradition while also addressing the broader issues raised by Bernabe’s dismissal.
Broader Reflections on Social Media, Identity, and Professionalism
This incident is emblematic of broader cultural shifts where social media usage by employees, even in ostensibly private capacities, can have far-reaching consequences. Individuals who hold roles tied to institutions with strong public profiles must navigate an often unforgiving landscape where personal disclosures can quickly become organizational crises.
Sports clubs, particularly those steeped in tradition like Lazio, grapple with maintaining their image while respecting personal liberties of their employees. Bernabe’s case demonstrates that social media content involving explicit material, even if unrelated to job duties, can clash sharply with brand values and public expectations. The incident also highlights the importance of social media policies within organizations. Clubs and other institutions must establish clear guidelines for their employees regarding the use of social media, especially for those in public-facing roles. This includes educating employees about the potential risks and consequences of their online activities.
Conclusion: Navigating Tradition, Individuality, and Modern Media Risks
The firing of Lazio’s eagle falconer for posting photos of his prosthetic penis captures a unique confluence of personal expression, professional responsibility, and digital exposure. It signals evolving challenges for sports organizations in preserving their historic traditions while adapting to the realities of contemporary social media culture.
For Lazio, the absence of Olympia flying overhead is more than just losing a matchday spectacle; it’s a disruption to a narrative central to club identity. For individuals operating in high-visibility roles, the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the interplay between private life and public association. The club must now find a way to restore the tradition of the eagle’s flight while also addressing the broader issues raised by Bernabe’s dismissal. This may involve finding a new falconer, implementing stricter social media policies, and engaging with fans to explain the club’s actions and plans for the future.
Ultimately, this episode illustrates how deeply intertwined the personal and professional realms have become in the internet era, and how actions once considered private can swiftly influence an entire organization’s narrative and legacy. In facing these realities, both individuals and institutions must continuously negotiate the boundaries of expression, professionalism, and symbolic meaning in an age of instant sharing and relentless scrutiny. The case of Juan Bernabe and SS Lazio serves as a reminder of the complexities of modern life in the digital age, where the lines between public and private are increasingly blurred, and the consequences of one’s actions can be far-reaching and unpredictable.
