Berlusconi’s sex tape scandal now has Putin’s bed in it

LONDON - Besides Silvio Berlusconi and his alleged sexcapades, another mysterious element which emerged from the sex tapes was his reference to Putin’s bed. The audiotapes of the Italian Prime Minister’s alleged encounter with an escort girl at his Rome residence were posted on the Internet.

The Italian daily La Repubblica and its sister weekly, L’Espresso, published bits and bobs of the alleged bedroom conversation between Berlusconi and Patrizia D’Addario, the woman whom his aides describe as a prostitute, reports The Times.

D’Addario claims to have made the recordings during two visits that she made to Palazzo Grazioli, Berlusconi’s Rome residence.

The tapes have been presented as evidence to back her claims.

In one, Berlusconi apparently tells D’Addario to wait for him on the four-poster “Putin bed” - said to have been a gift from Vladimir Putin, the Russian Prime Minister - while they each take a shower.

Berlusconi is heard to say: “I will take a shower as well . . . and then wait for me on the big bed if you finish first?” D’Addario replies: “Which bed . . . that Putin one?”

Berlusconi: “The Putin one.”

D’Addario: “Oh how sweet, the one with the curtains.”

When The Times reached Vladimir Putin’s office, a rep said that the Russian Prime Minister had never given the gift of a bed to Berlusconi.

Another theory is that Putin spent a night in the bed while staying at Berlusconi’s Rome residence.

The pair are known to be good friends.

At a press conference, Berlusconi described Putin as “very friendly. He has shown himself to be a great friend by coming here.”

Repaying the compliment, Putin said Italian women were second only to those in Russia.

He added: “I have always reacted negatively to those who with their snotty noses and erotic fantasies prowl into others’ lives.” (ANI)