Prosecutor Requests Dismissal of Racism Case Against Paulista Deputy for Blackface

The São Paulo Public Prosecutor's Office has recommended dismissing a representation against state deputy Fabiana Bolsonaro (PL) for alleged racism. The complaint stemmed from an incident in March where Bolsonaro performed a blackface on the tribune of the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo (Alesp).

Bolsonaro's action was intended as a critique of the selection of federal deputy Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP) to lead the Chamber of Deputies' Women's Rights Commission. During her speech, Bolsonaro, after applying dark makeup to her face and arms, stated that even "disguised" as a Black person, she could not speak for the Black population. She argued that external appearance does not equate to lived experience.

However, fellow deputy Mônica Seixas (PSOL) protested the gesture, calling it blackface and requesting the session be suspended, which was denied. Bolsonaro denied performing blackface, asserting her gesture was misinterpreted and that she was highlighting the impossibility of truly understanding the experiences of Black individuals solely through external imitation.

The Public Prosecutor's Office concluded that Bolsonaro's conduct lacked the specific intent required for the crime of racism, which involves a deliberate desire to discriminate or promote prejudice based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, or national origin. Furthermore, the office noted that the deputy's actions fell under parliamentary immunity, as they occurred during a speech related to her mandate and political platform.