Flávio Bolsonaro Denies Humiliating Michelle Bolsonaro, Cites Family Strain

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has denied claims that he humiliated former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro, asserting that he has never disrespected or mistreated any woman. Michelle Bolsonaro had earlier released videos alleging that her stepson had disrespected and mistreated her.

In a statement published on social media, Flávio Bolsonaro stated, "I have been married for 16 years, a father of two wonderful daughters, and I have never disrespected, mistreated, or humiliated a woman in my life. I would never do so to my own father's wife." He emphasized his 24 years in public life, during which he has been recognized for his "balance, education, and respect for everyone, even political adversaries."

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I have been married for 16 years, a father of two wonderful daughters, and I have never disrespected, mistreated, or humiliated a woman in my life. I would never do so to my own father's wife.

Flávio Bolsonaro clarified that he did not intend to offend Michelle and offered an apology if any past actions were perceived as such. He expressed respect for her role within the PL party, her care for his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, and her significance to Brazil. "Our entire family is going through a very difficult time. And I understand Michelle's anguish seeing my father, every day, suffering from such injustice," he wrote. "I also suffer, but I remain firm. Traveling Brazil carrying the mantle my father gave me, spending days away from home, my wife, my daughters, unable to pray and kiss them before sleeping, suffering death threats, and yet, I remain focused on the mission."

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Our entire family is going through a very difficult time. And I understand Michelle's anguish seeing my father, every day, suffering from such injustice. I also suffer, but I remain firm.

The senator acknowledged that individuals with shared goals might see different paths, a natural occurrence in families, businesses, and public life. He stated that his decisions have his father's backing and urged a focus on the campaign to defeat Lula in the upcoming presidential election. Flávio mentioned reaching out to Senator Damares Alves to organize a meeting with conservative women leaders, suggesting Michelle's inclusion. However, he noted that his direct call to Michelle to extend the invitation went unanswered, and a subsequent message was also not returned.

Flávio Bolsonaro said he was surprised by the videos Michelle released and confirmed that the invitation for the women's meeting remains open. Michelle's videos had criticized the PL party's alliance with Ciro Gomes and mentioned attacks from her stepsons following her support for Senator Eduardo Girão. She alleged that Flávio criticized her on social media before speaking with her and that he responded curtly when she finally reached him by phone, telling her to stay out of party decisions.

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I made another unreciprocated gesture. She didn't answer. I left a message. She didn't return it either.