Influencer Valéria Diniz refuses to buy candy from autistic boy in Fortaleza By Luís Henrique Costa
2 min read
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A recording shared on social media by influencer Valéria Diniz, 25, shows a boy selling candy at the Mercado dos Peixes, on Avenida Beira-Mar, in Fortaleza (CE). Diniz filmed the scene herself, and the clip spread widely on the night of Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The boy, Matheus, is 9 years old and autistic, according to reports.
Matheus walked up to the table where Diniz sat with friends to offer candy and chocolates during the afternoon. Diniz asked about the political preferences of the boy and his family. After he mentioned President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, she told him to make the “L” sign with his fingers, a gesture linked to supporters of the president, and then said she would not buy anything.
Reaction was strong on digital platforms once the images spread beyond the original post, which was published only temporarily. Her main profile, which had about 70,000 followers, was taken offline, and she later posted an apology from another account.
Matheus stayed where he was, holding the candy, while the phone kept recording. Her friends at the table laughed during the exchange. Reports say the boy lives with his grandmother, Inês de Maria do Nascimento, after the death of his mother.
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Online criticism focused on the child’s vulnerability while working informally and on the public embarrassment imposed on a minor over political views. Councilors in Fortaleza asked for explanations and measures over the exposure of the child.
Motorcycle couriers bring donations to the boy’s home
Motorcycle couriers and delivery workers went to the family’s home on Thursday, October 29, carrying food, gifts and a cell phone as part of a donation drive. Campaigns to raise money for the family continued on social media after that.
In the apology video, Diniz said she had no intention of humiliating the child. Lawyers said they would take criminal and civil action, but no formal complaint or court decision against her had been confirmed by the time of this report.
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Brazilian law guarantees full protection to children and adolescents and bars submitting minors to public humiliation or embarrassment. Cases involving child labor and exposure on social media are usually followed by the municipal guardianship councils and social assistance authorities.
