MP analyzes request to suspend the Ratinho Program due to LGBTphobia

The Public Prosecutor’s Office of São Paulo received, on Friday (23), a request to suspend the Ratinho Program, broadcast by SBT, due to alleged LGBTphobic statements made by presenter Carlos Roberto Massa, known as Ratinho. The request was filed by the law firm of Dr. Ângelo Carbone, on behalf of the Alternate State Deputy for São Paulo, Agripino Magalhães Júnior.

The complaint refers to an episode of “Jornal Rational”, aired on June 23, 2023, in which Ratinho allegedly made comments considered disrespectful about the LGBTQIA+ Parade held on Avenida Paulista, referring to the event as a “carnival from hell”. The presenter allegedly suggested that the parade be moved to the São Paulo Sambadrome, to “leave Avenida Paulista for families”.

After the negative repercussion on social media, Ratinho reportedly reacted live, threatening to expose Magalhães Júnior’s criminal record if he continued with the lawsuit. The complaint against the presenter includes accusations of slander, defamation, threats and LGBTphobia. The defense claims that Ratinho’s statements constitute a crime, according to the 2019 decision of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), which equated LGBTphobia to the crime of racism, with penalties ranging from 1 to 5 years in prison.

The request sent to the Public Prosecutor’s Office requests the suspension of Programa do Ratinho for one year or until the show complies with legal standards. In addition, the document requests the suspension of the presenter for the same period. The Public Prosecutor’s Office is now analyzing the case and will determine the next steps, which may include legal action against Ratinho.

The situation reignites the debate on respect for diversity and the criminalization of LGBTphobia in Brazil, which became the 43rd country to penalize this type of discrimination.

By Ezatamentchy