RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AFP) — Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva found himself at the center of controversy this week after making a joke about violence against women during a forum of ministers and business leaders in Brasilia.
President Lula, 78, began by describing the new data on the rising abuse of women as “sad news.” However, he went on to jest that fans of his favorite soccer team, Corinthians, would “be ok” in reaction to research showing that such abuse often increases after soccer matches.
The remarks, broadcast live on Tuesday, ignited widespread condemnation.
Amnesty International criticized Lula’s comments, stating on X: “Not only is Lula’s comment not funny, it normalizes a tragedy in Brazil that should worry everyone, especially the president: at least 10,600 women have been victims of femicide in the country since 2015.” The NGO emphasized the severity of the issue, referring to a report indicating a 21 percent increase in physical violence against women on match days, labeling the president’s joke as “unacceptable.”
Far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro, himself often criticized for misogynistic remarks, also condemned Lula’s comments as “nonsense” on social media.
Criticism came from within Lula’s own political bloc as well. Congresswoman Fernanda Melchiona posted on X, “Domestic violence is no joke,” underscoring the gravity of the issue and rejecting the president’s attempt at humor.
Lula’s comments have sparked a debate on the importance of leadership sensitivity and responsibility in addressing serious social issues, particularly those as grave as domestic violence.
