Key Takeaways:
– During a televised debate for the Sao Paulo mayoral race, candidate José Luiz Datena hit fellow competitor Pablo Marçal with a metal chair.
– The incident stemmed from Marçal referencing sexual misconduct allegations against Datena.
– Marçal suffered a ribcage fracture due to the assault and referred to it as an “attempted homicide” on social media.
– Despite the incident, Datena voiced no regret and said that he would repeat the action under similar circumstances.
– An investigation into the incident has been initiated as “bodily injury and insult.”
The High Stakes of Politics Takes a Physical Turn
In a surprising turn of events in the Sao Paulo mayoral race, personal development influencer turned politician Pablo Marçal was assaulted live on TV. José Luiz Datena, a rival candidate and former TV presenter, unexpectedly attacked him during a live debate, sparking shockwaves throughout the political landscape of Brazil’s biggest city.
The Shocking Incident
The televised quarrel culminated when Datena swung a metal chair towards Marçal after the latter referenced past sexual misconduct allegations against Datena. Marçal, in his deflection, stated Datena lacked the courage to physically assault him – a challenge Datena readily met.
Despite the surprising physical assault, the debate resumed, albeit without Marçal’s participation. Pictures circulated of Marçal rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, requiring respiratory support due to the intensity of the assault.
Marçal’s Hospital Experience
At the Syrian-Lebanese hospital, doctors diagnosed Marçal with a ribcage fracture, resulting from the “trauma to the right chest region and right wrist”. He took to social media to update his followers, likening the incident to an “attempted homicide” and drawing parallels with the assassination attempt against Donald Trump and the stabbing of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Datena
Datena’s anger was fuelled by Marçal’s reference to sexual misconduct allegations against him. Despite an inquiry into the charges, no definitive conclusion was reached when the accuser retracted her statement. Commenting on the incident, Datena admitted his regrets but also asserted that he would repeat his actions under similar circumstances.
Political Reactions
While politics often brings heated rhetoric and intense debate, physical assault during a live debate is relatively rare and shocking. Marçal’s team criticized the decision to continue without their candidate and demanded appropriate legal action against Datena.
In response to the incident, Sao Paulo’s public security agency confirmed that an investigation was now underway.
Candidates’ Support Base
Currently, the mayoral race has attracted the attention of major political figures. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is supporting Guilherme Boulos, a leftist lawmaker, while Bolsonaro has endorsed incumbent Ricardo Nunes. Despite the controversy, Marçal has amassed a significant supporter base among Bolsonaro’s former followers, captivated by his fiery rhetoric and charisma.
As the race heads towards election day, it will be interesting to see how this violent incident will impact voters’ decisions and the ultimate outcome of the Sao Paulo mayoral election.