Renato Bolsonaro, brother of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has filed a formal complaint with Brazil’s Federal Public Ministry (MPF) against the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school. The action targets the school’s parade, which recently honored President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) at the Sapucaí sambadrome.

According to Renato, the carnival presentation featured “jocose treatment of families and people who identify as such,” suggesting this could “discourage the average voter from casting ballots for individuals associated with that political spectrum.” The complaint highlights elements within the parade that he claims amount to early election propaganda and a disrespectful portrayal of conservative figures.

The controversy stems from the school’s homage to President Lula, which included various theatrical and visual elements interpreted by critics as overtly political and offensive. This move by Renato Bolsonaro marks another front in the ongoing political and legal battles surrounding the recent carnival season.

Allegations of partisan symbolism in parade

In his formal representation to the MPF, Bolsonaro’s brother specifically claims that the samba school’s theme song, or “samba-enredo,” made direct references to Lula’s political campaign. He alleges that the lyrics explicitly mentioned the number 13, historically associated with Lula’s party, and echoed elements of his campaign jingles.

Furthermore, Renato Bolsonaro asserts that during the televised broadcast of the parade, numerous participants from the samba group were observed forming the letter “L” with their hands. This gesture, he noted, was a prominent symbol previously utilized by Lula during his electoral campaigns, reinforcing the accusation of partisan promotion within a cultural event.

Satirical portrayal of ex-president and conservative values

The complaint also underscores the school’s depiction of Jair Bolsonaro, which Renato described as “jocose.” The former president was allegedly represented as the clown character “Bozo” in two distinct segments of the parade, a portrayal widely seen as a mockery.

The “Bozo” figure first appeared in the front commission, where actors and dancers also impersonated Lula, former presidents Dilma Rousseff (PT), and Michel Temer (MDB). Later, a significant allegorical float displayed a large sculpture of the character confined behind what appeared to be prison bars, further emphasizing a critical stance.

Adding to the controversy, the parade featured an ala titled “Neoconservatives in Conserve.” Participants wore costumes designed to resemble canned goods, bearing labels that depicted a traditional family — a couple with two children — alongside the phrase “canned family.” Renato Bolsonaro argued this element directly satirized conservative families aligned with the political right.

These depictions, particularly the “Bozo” figure and the “canned family” ala, have ignited strong reactions from conservative groups and politicians, who view them as direct attacks on their values and former leaders, transcending artistic expression into political aggression.

Widespread opposition’s legal offensive

Following the parade, opposition members in the National Congress initiated a broad legal offensive, filing dozens of complaints against the tribute to President Lula. Their allegations primarily centered on claims of early electoral propaganda, abuse of political and economic power, and misuse of public funds.

The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has already opened a process to investigate whether the presentation constitutes early electoral advertising. This court had previously rejected a preliminary injunction request that sought to ban the parade outright, allowing the event to proceed as planned despite the legal challenges.

Reports indicate that the opposition employed a multi-faceted legal strategy, also citing potential instances of religious prejudice. Specific concern was raised regarding the portrayal of evangelicals within the parade’s narrative, sparking debate about artistic freedom versus potential offense.

Political party actions and religious front appeals

The Liberal Party (PL), Jair Bolsonaro’s party, announced its intention to file an electoral judicial investigation action. This action aims to thoroughly investigate alleged early propaganda, the improper use of communication channels, and the potential misuse of public resources in connection with the controversial parade.

Furthermore, the parade provoked strong reactions from parliamentary groups representing religious communities in Congress. The Catholic Parliamentary Front and, notably, the Evangelical Parliamentary Front declared their intent to engage the Prosecutor-General’s Office (PGR) and the Judiciary. They seek to ensure “civil and criminal accountability of those involved” in the contentious display.

PT and samba school defend artistic freedom

In response to the mounting criticism, President Lula’s Workers’ Party (PT) issued a statement asserting the parade’s adherence to legal standards. The party emphasized its strict observance of electoral legislation, including prior guidance to its affiliates and supporters regarding pre-campaign rules.

The PT also underscored that the parade’s theme and presentation constituted a typical manifestation of artistic and cultural freedom, which is fully protected by the Brazilian Federal Constitution. The party explicitly stated that the conceptualization, development, and execution of the parade were carried out autonomously by the carnival association, without any participation, funding, coordination, or interference from the Workers’ Party or President Lula himself.

Meanwhile, the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school released its own statement, alleging it faced significant persecution throughout the carnival preparation process. The school reported experiencing political attacks, confrontations with conservative sectors, and even pressure from carnival managers, including demands for changes to its theme and questioning of its samba lyrics, all aimed at restricting its artistic autonomy.

Despite these pressures, the school declared it “did not bow.” It affirmed its commitment to artistic integrity, stating, “We took a true, powerful, and coherent parade to the Avenue that aligned with our identity.”

TSE’s previous ruling

Before the parade took place, the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) had already addressed initial attempts to prevent the event. The court ultimately rejected a request for a preliminary injunction that aimed to bar the controversial procession from the Sapucaí sambadrome, allowing the school to proceed with its planned tribute to President Lula.