“It’s unacceptable to downplay acts of violence,” says victim minister

Brazil’s Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco, released a statement on social media, condemning any attempts to downplay or trivialize acts of violence, calling such actions unacceptable.

The minister’s statement followed the dismissal of Human Rights and Citizenship Minister Silvio Almeida by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, after allegations of sexual harassment. Press reports indicate that Anielle Franco was among the victims.

“It’s unacceptable to downplay or trivialize acts of violence. "Recognizing the gravity of such actions and responding swiftly is the right approach, which is why I commend President Lula's decisive action and extend my gratitude for the support and solidarity I have received," she said.

Anielle Franco emphasized that pressuring victims to speak out during "moments of pain and vulnerability" only perpetuates the cycle of violence. She requested privacy, stating, "I will assist in the investigations whenever called upon," in her post on Friday (Sep. 6).

The allegations against Minister Silvio Almeida were first reported by the Metrópoles news portal on Thursday afternoon (5) and later confirmed by the Me Too organization. Without disclosing names or specific details, the organization stated that it had received complaints from women alleging they had been sexually harassed by Almeida.

Following the minister's dismissal by Lula, the President’s Secretariat for Social Communication stated, “The president deems it untenable to retain the minister given the nature of the sexual harassment accusations.”