George Gabunia Georgian journalist Date of Birth: . Country: Georgia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Career Shift and Controversial Debut
3. "Post Scriptum" and Public Outcry
4. 2019 "Rusophobic Outbreak"
5. Consequences and Fallout

Early Life and Education

Georgi Gabunia, a Georgian journalist, was born in Tbilisi, Georgia, to Julieta Vashakmadze, a renowned television personality, and a former director responsible for news programming. Despite his journalistic lineage, Gabunia initially pursued an acting career. However, his academic prowess and musical talents, honed during seven years of piano lessons, ultimately led him to architectural studies at the Georgian Technical University.

Career Shift and Controversial Debut

Gabunia's professional trajectory shifted towards journalism, aligning with his parents' successful careers. He first joined Maestro TV before moving to the Public Broadcaster of Georgia and eventually to Rustavi 2. It was during his time at Rustavi 2's "Post Scriptum" program that he became known for his provocative commentaries and use of profanity.

"Post Scriptum" and Public Outcry

Gabunia's "Post Scriptum" program frequently featured harsh criticisms of authorities, public figures, and religious leaders. One notable incident occurred in May 2018, when he sparked controversy by suggesting that Jesus Christ should have visited Georgia's Adjara and Guria regions because "there were no trees left for crucifixion."

2019 "Rusophobic Outbreak"

On July 7, 2019, Gabunia's "Post Scriptum" broadcast took a dramatic turn. He began by cordially greeting viewers in Russian and proceeded to engage in a minute-long tirade of expletives directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin and his parents. This outburst ignited public outrage, with hundreds gathering outside Rustavi 2's headquarters demanding an apology.

Consequences and Fallout

The backlash against Gabunia's actions was swift and severe. Rustavi 2 suspended broadcasting for several hours, and Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze denounced his behavior as "categorically unacceptable." Georgian authorities deemed his statements as "provocative," while political analyst Ramaz Sakvarelidze predicted Moscow's imposition of sanctions against Tbilisi.