Overview
- The Federal Prosecutor’s Office directed the Federal Police to open a criminal inquiry into state deputy Fabiana Bolsonaro for suspected racism and transphobia after she darkened her skin during a speech in the São Paulo assembly, and it asked officers to take statements from her and two deputies who objected.
- The São Paulo state prosecutor is also investigating the episode for collective moral damage tied to racist, transphobic and misogynistic speech.
- Eighteen state lawmakers filed a complaint with the Alesp Ethics Council seeking an inquiry that could lead to the loss of her mandate.
- Erika Hilton asked election authorities to examine Fabiana’s 2022 self-declaration as parda and two small transfers she received from a public fund reserved for Black candidates.
- Fabiana denies committing blackface or racism and says her display was a legitimate debate protected by freedom of expression.