Video Shows Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes Appearing to Imitate Visually Impaired People at Sambadrome VIP Box

Overview

• Footage from a Carnival camarote shows Paes wearing dark glasses and using an object resembling a cane in a way viewers interpreted as imitating people with visual impairments.
• The clip spread widely on social media and drew condemnation, and major outlets reported no response from Paes or his press office at the time of publication.
• A post by user Alfred Newmann (@pmarcelo1972) sharing the video was cited in coverage and helped drive the online circulation.
• Paes hosted President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during the festivities, an appearance already criticized by opposition figures as possible early electoral propaganda tied to a samba school tribute.
• The controversy unfolds as Paes prepares to leave the mayor’s office on March 20, 2026, with plans to run for governor in the October state election.