[2014/02/10] A message to my fans in Italy, and members of the Italian press (and other curious people)

Due to the unexpected intensity of media attention in Italy regarding our upcoming marriage, please allow my fiancé and I to express some of our feelings in our own words.


A message to my fans in Italy, and members of the Italian press (and other curious people)

I never thought that the news of my marriage with an Italian guy "normale" would be met with so much excitement in Italy.

To me, my fiance is just "my man" and for him I am just "his woman." Many journalists have been asking how we met. The truth is quite boring---we met through a mutual friend. He is younger than me but in some ways more mature. I was drawn to his courage and his values regarding family, friends, work, life, love---and when I met his family, I saw where it all comes from.

I am touched and excited by the warm reception of so many people in Italy… but I must implore you to respect the privacy of my fiance and his family. Being the target of public attention can be very stressful and scary, and it would sadden me greatly to see my new family under duress or in danger because of me.

I heard rumors about some fans possibly organizing a bus tour to the location of our wedding. I have always been grateful for the support of my fans who remain loyal to me, and it is truly amazing to feel the excitement you share with me, and so it pains me to have to say this, but please understand that a wedding is not a show. I hope we can meet one day under more appropriate circumstances.

We would like to share our wedding photos with you all. I hope this will help to alleviate any potential chaos on the day of the wedding.

Thank you.

Hikaru Utada

--------------------------------------

Hello Everybody!

As you probably already know, I am Hikaru’s fiancé and I work as a bartender in a London hotel.

It’s a decent job that gives me a decent life, just like anybody else. I come from a modest family background: honest folk, loved and respected by the people in my home town and who taught me what honesty, love, sacrifice and work all mean. They never let me want for anything and above all, showed me how to face life with optimism and courage.

I guess it must seem strange to think that a suburban guy like me, doing a normal job, gets together with a superstar like Hikaru. Indeed, when it all started, even I found it difficult to believe.

Well our roads crossed and as time went by we got to know each other and found that we had loads of things in common, among which, and most relevant, our deep and reciprocal love.
To be honest, when I left my beloved home town in Puglia in an attempt to create a future in London, I never imagined that I would be where I am today, but if the Lord has made this decision, so be it. I trust in Him.

I introduce myself to you, fans and press, with these few words, and especially to all Italians, the people I am so proud of, and I ask you all to offer support and respect to the lady who is to be my future wife, also to Mr. Teruzane who will become my second dad and, last but not least, to my family.

Thank you all for your understanding.

With my very best wishes

Francesco