Activist discusses racism with Tiago Leifert: ‘His argument only hinders our experience’

Presenter Tiago Leifert chatted with Sara Zarâ, an activist for the black cause, during a live broadcast. The theme was Vini Jr., who lost in the Ballon d’Or vote. For Leifert, he should have still gone to the event. As for Sara, it was not necessary, as it was a hostile and racist environment.

According to the journalist, the Real Madrid athlete should have attended even though he knew he would be defeated by the Spaniard Rodri. For him, it would have been “absurdly cool” if Vini had arrived “with his chest puffed out”, looked the judges in the eyes and ironically applauded the decision to take away the title of best player in the world from him.

Sara even made a video criticizing Leifert’s stance. On live, she confirmed what she thinks and said that his speech would be “inhumane and wrong” because, in theory, it reinforces racism.

It was Tiago himself who invited Sara to the debate. In her opinion, living through another difficult episode would not be good for him, as he frequently suffers from discrimination. In Leifert’s view, he lost the Ballon d’Or for other reasons that had nothing to do with it.

“I can’t be accused of something I’m not just because I disagree with you. I’m on the same side and I’ve always defended Vini Jr.”, he said.

The conversation, however, began to become more heated. Sara complained about not being heard and being constantly interrupted by the presenter. The two couldn’t agree.

“If you live here on this planet, you can already understand that Vinícius, like every black Brazilian, goes through racist provocations and crimes all the time”, he commented.

“You don’t know how to talk and you don’t know how to listen. You’re not maintaining your education in dialogue. You’re an heir, and I’m not, I’m at work. Your argument just gets in the way of our experience”, added the activist.

FAMOUS PEOPLE BEAT LEIFERT

Maria Rita, Bruno Gagliasso, Pathy de Jesus and Mika Linz were some of the artists who criticized former Globo presenter Tiago Leifert’s stance on Vini Jr.

In a post on an Instagram profile, a follower suggested that Leifert was “teaching a black man how to deal with racism”, and this caught the attention of celebrities.

“Your decision not to express an opinion would have been absurdly cool,” wrote singer Maria Rita, who added ironically: “Is racism the same as being thrown into the pile? Oh, what a shame,” she said.

Actor Bruno Gagliasso swore before speaking his mind. “Calado is a poet,” he wrote.