Zélia Duncan, Palomma Duarte and other artists regret case involving Silvio Almeida: ‘Very shocking’

Allegations of sexual harassment involving the now former Minister of Human Rights, Silvio Almeida, are having repercussions among the artistic class. Almeida was fired by Lula on Friday afternoon (6) after a series of reports of sexual harassment and harassment allegedly committed by him came to light. The former minister vehemently denies the accusations.

“Disappointment”, “fright” and “shock” were some of the words used by artists, especially those historically allied with the Lula government, to lament the episode on social media. On Instagram, Zélia Duncan said she was frightened and demanded action.

“Yesterday was a very shocking day,” the singer said, recalling the high rates of violence against women in Brazil. “We live in a country where, despite all the awareness we believe we are gaining, femicide is absurd, misogyny is only increasing, and the patriarchy is increasingly ignorant and violent.”

“News like this from within the government itself, coming from people who until yesterday symbolized balance and protection… The news is already very hard, and with these people involved, it hurts even more,” lamented the artist. “The most important thing is for the government to take some action, and it seems that it is already doing so. That justice be served, if there really was a crime of this nature.”

On Zélia’s post, Preta Gil commented: “I make your words my own.” Singer Paulinho Moska and actor João Vitti also supported the singer’s position.

Palomma Duarte reposted Zélia’s video and added: “Very scared about this. Thank you for organizing my scare, astonishment, all this nonsense. We are not alone. May the government be strong enough to look in the mirror and take the necessary action,” she demanded.

José de Abreu also republished the post, adding: “Full right to defense for Silvio de Almeida.”

Understand the case

Last Thursday (5), a series of accusations of sexual harassment against Minister Silvio Almeida came to light. One of the alleged victims was the Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco.

Silvio Almeida released a statement and video denying the accusations. The allegations were published by columnist Guilherme Amado, from the Metrópoles website. The report involves cases that allegedly occurred last year and were reported to the organization Me Too Brasil.