News24 | ‘It’s not OK’: Brazil’s president Lula slammed after joking about violence against women

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva gestures during the signing of the new law increasing the annual adjustment of the minimum wage at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia on 28 August 2023. (Evaristo SA/AFP)

Rio
de Janeiro – Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sparked controversy
this week after making a joke about violence against women.

At
a forum of ministers and business leaders Brasilia, Lula described new data
about an increase in abuse against women as “sad news”.

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Then,
reacting to a study which found such abuse often occurs after football matches,
the 78-year-old leader joked that “If the guy is a Corinthians fan, it’s
OK”, in reference to his favourite team.

The
comments, broadcast live on Tuesday, triggered widespread condemnation.

“Besides
not being funny, Lula’s comment normalises a Brazilian tragedy that should
worry everyone, especially the president: at least 10 600 women have been
victims of femicide since 2015,” Amnesty International wrote on X.

The
NGO referred to the report that found physical aggression against women
increases by 21% on game days, saying: “It’s not OK.”

President Lula of Brazil dismisses criticism of he being old by pointing out his sexual skills.
He claimed that the First Lady knows that he has the “energy of a 30 year old and the lust of a 20 year old”. pic.twitter.com/gxpd9PvhOD

— Crazy Ass Moments in LatAm Politics (@AssLatam) July 6, 2024Far-right
ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, himself often criticised for misogynism, also took
to social media to berate the “nonsense” uttered by Lula.

There
were also reprimands from within the president’s leftist ranks, with
congresswoman Fernanda Melchionna posting on X that: “Domestic violence is
no joke.”