A public statement by Anitta, published on her Instagram profile on the morning of this Thursday, 25th, clarified her position regarding the situation involving businessman Rodrigo Branco, sentenced for racism against Thelma Assis, winner of BBB20. The artist vehemently denied any support to the professional.
The singer emphasized that “racism is a crime” and that the perpetrator of such a crime must face the appropriate consequences, citing Rodrigo Branco and other individuals, famous or anonymous. She highlighted the existence of laws, penalties and a justice system for these cases, stating that the topic is not open to debate or personal opinions. Anitta’s statement is significant, because as one of the most influential public figures in Brazil, her stance reinforces the growing social demand for accountability in cases of racial prejudice.
Anitta made it clear that she would never “clean up” a friend who commits a crime. Personal connections and bonds of friendship, according to the pop star, will never take precedence over an act considered so “shameful, disgusting and criminal”.
The absence of posts on social media, the artist explained, should not be misinterpreted as a sign of support for anyone on such an unequivocal issue.
At the end of her message, Anitta stated that learning daily is the minimum expected of everyone, and that no one deserves praise for that. She assured that she has always taken a position on different topics, never adopting a selective stance, and that this time it would be no different.
Rodrigo Branco’s statements about the conviction
Rodrigo Branco, in turn, released a new video last Monday, 22nd, where he communicated his decision not to appeal the court sentence. He confirmed the payment of the amount stipulated by the Court, made a new apology to Thelma Assis and mentioned having received support from famous friends, such as Deborah Secco and Xuxa Meneghel.
The businessman argued that he has evolved considerably since the incident, stating that he has collaborated with social initiatives and become a defender of the anti-racist cause. Branco expressed the expectation that his case will serve as a learning experience for other people.
He recalled that he had already published apologies in previous years and assured that he never tried to hide or erase the facts. The choice to serve the sentence without contest, according to him, is part of a process of accepting responsibility for the comments made.
The comments that led to the conviction were made during a live broadcast on Instagram in 2020. At the time, in conversation with influencer Ju de Paulla, Branco said that Thelma Assis and journalist Maju Coutinho “were only where they were because they were black”, a statement that generated great repercussion and prosecution.
The influencer also revealed that he had paid off the amount of R$76,061.07, relating to his conviction. He described the last few years as a period of intense learning and engagement in projects related to the anti-racist fight.
For Rodrigo Branco, the reparation process goes beyond a court decision or a public apology, requiring a continuous commitment to the cause.
He extended his apologies by name to Thelma, Maju and also to the influencer Ju de Paulla, in addition to everyone who felt offended. The businessman reiterated the value of friendship, highlighting the friends who remained by his side, even in the face of the criticism they received for this support, ensuring that “no friend touched my head”.