Ratinho Faces Trial for Political Violence Against Deputy Natália Bonavides
Carlos Massa, known as Ratinho, is being tried for political violence after making sexist and threatening remarks against deputy Natália Bonavides on air in 2021.
- • Ratinho will face trial in the São Paulo Regional Electoral Court for political violence against Natália Bonavides.
- • Derogatory and sexist remarks made in a 2021 radio program form the basis of the case.
- • Comments included traditional gender stereotypes and threats of violence.
- • The Public Ministry seeks at least R$ 1 million in moral damages for Bonavides.
Key details
Carlos Massa, popularly known as Ratinho, has been formally charged and will stand trial in the São Paulo Regional Electoral Court for political violence against deputy Natália Bonavides (PT-RN). The case revives a 2023 accusation stemming from offensive comments Ratinho made during a radio program in December 2021, when he criticized a legislative proposal related to civil marriage declarations (PL 4.004/21).
During the broadcast, Ratinho used derogatory and sexist language towards Bonavides, telling her to "go wash clothes, sew your husband's pants," and calling her an "imbecile." He also made threatening remarks suggesting violence, including joking about using a machine gun to eliminate "crazy" people he disagreed with and ending with insulting comments about Bonavides' appearance, labeling her as "ugly from hell."
The Electoral Public Ministry categorized these remarks as humiliating and aimed at diminishing Bonavides’ role as a woman in public and political life. According to Judge Tiago Ducatti Lino Machado, Ratinho’s expressions constitute potential acts of humiliation and disrespect toward women, violating Article 326-B of the Electoral Code, which prohibits political violence against women.
Although Ratinho was acquitted in a related civil suit filed by Bonavides, the Public Ministry is now demanding a minimum compensation of R$ 1 million for moral damages, emphasizing that even if his comments were intended as humor, they carry an intimidating threat that cannot be ignored. This trial marks a significant moment in addressing the issue of political violence and gender-based discrimination in Brazilian politics.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
