José Luis Datena assaulted Pablo Marçal with a metal chair, who was rushed to hospital

09/16/2024

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José Luiz Datena hit his Pablo Marçal with a metal chair amidst a fierce argument broadcast by TV Cultura — Foto: Reprodução TV

Physical violence marked a political debate live on television among two runners for mayor of Brazil’s largest city on Sunday evening. TV star José Luiz Datena hit his challenger, digital influencer Pablo Marçal, with a metal chair amidst a fierce argument broadcast by São Paulo state-run TV Cultura. Mr. Datena was immediately expelled from the debate, and Mr. Marçal was rushed to the hospital, where he stayed overnight.

The aggression occurred after Mr. Marçal mentioned that Mr. Datena had allegedly been involved in a past sexual harassment case, which was eventually dismissed. Off-camera, Mr. Marçal repeatedly provoked Mr. Datena, implying that he was a rapist.

Both candidates are newbies in politics. Mr. Datena is a famous journalist and hosts a popular afternoon TV show, considered by many as sensationalist. Mr. Marçal is a far-right digital influencer with millions of followers. Mr. Marçal has been surging in the opinion polls, and is currently in a statistical tie to win with incumbent Ricardo Nunes, and leftist Guilherme Boulos. Mr. Datena has been declining in the polls and rumors have it that he may leave the race.

Tensions between both candidates were high from the start of the debate, and even from previous debates. Mr. Marçal has used the strategy of making serious accusations against all his opponents during the campaign.

On Sunday’s debate, when chosen to ask the first question, Mr. Datena refused to direct it at Mr. Marçal as requested, arguing that his opponent only used the debates to stage a performance for his social media channels. In response, Mr. Marçal brought up the alleged sexual harassment case.

Mr. Datena claimed the case was dismissed due to lack of evidence and retaliated by calling Mr. Marçal a “petty bank thief.” In 2010, Mr. Marçal was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for participating in a group that committed bank fraud, involving the acquisition of victims’ account details for online banking access—he appealed, and the sentence eventually expired.

Off-camera, Mr. Marçal continued to provoke and accuse his opponent. In the fourth segment, after another mention of the harassment case, Mr. Datena approached Mr. Marçal and assaulted him. Mr. Marçal clutched his ribs, indicating pain, and was insulted by Mr. Datena as he left the auditorium.

Mr. Datena wanted to leave the live debate and ended up being expelled. His team watched the scene with surprise and disbelief.

Moderator Leão Serva announced that the debate would be paused and called for a commercial break. The event resumed about three minutes later.

Following the debate, Mr. Marçal’s campaign released a statement: “Pablo Marçal was cowardly attacked by José Luiz Datena, who struck him in the ribs with an iron chair. Unfortunately, Marçal had to leave the debate urgently in an ambulance to receive emergency medical care.”

The campaign expressed regret that the debate continued without the injured candidate. “It is regrettable that the debate continued without the presence of the attacked candidate. Pablo Marçal is injured, with suspected fractures in the thoracic region and great difficulty breathing,” the statement read. “We hope that appropriate legal measures will be taken and we count on the people’s prayers.”

Tassio Renan, Mr. Marçal’s lawyer, reported that the candidate was experiencing rib pain and hand injuries. Mr. Marçal was to undergo imaging tests and remain in the hospital overnight. His Monday schedule would be canceled. The campaign demanded security presence at future debates.

In a statement, TV Cultura expressed regret over the incident and said it took all necessary actions according to the established rules, including expelling Mr. Datena. “Additionally, the debate continued with the agreement of the remaining candidates,” the statement read.

Upon leaving the studio, Mr. Datena admitted to losing his temper. “Unfortunately, I lost my temper. Should I have left? Probably. I could have simply walked out and gone home, which would have been much better. But just as I weep as a human reaction, this was a human reaction I couldn’t contain,” he added. Asked by a TV Cultura reporter if he regretted his actions, he replied, “Of course not.”

Speaking to journalists, Mr. Datena said it was up to the party to decide his candidacy, but he intended to stay in the race. “I intend to remain a candidate until the end. It depends on the party. It depends on everyone. I intend to continue as a candidate,” he said. “Was I wrong? Yes. But what can I do? It’s done.”

The remaining candidates attempted to capitalize on the episode. Tabata Amaral used the assault to highlight the minority status of women in the race. The candidate called the “men’s behavior” in the debate “outrageous” and thanked Marina Helena for being the only one to maintain the debate’s level by asking about proposals for São Paulo’s adaptation to climate change.

Candidate Guilherme Boulos and the incumbent Ricardo Nunes condemned the assault. The São Paulo mayor used his closing remarks to try to attract Mr. Datena’s voters, betting that the TV presenter would exit the race after the attack. “The assault is unjustifiable, but he was provoked and defended his family’s honor,” he said. After the debate, Mr. Nunes, Ms. Amaral, and Mr. Boulos reiterated that Mr. Marçal had provoked Mr. Datena off-camera and called the incident unfortunate.

The debate marked a significant point in the history of televised political battles in Brazil. With no time in the free electoral broadcast slots, Mr. Marçal was constrained by TV Cultura’s rules and struggled to replicate his previous debate strategy, where he had become the center of attention by insulting all his opponents. He encountered Mr. Datena’s emotional instability, evident in the candidate’s recent public appearances and interviews.

*Por Cristiane Agostine, Murillo Camarotto, César Felício, Maria Cristina Fernandes — São Paulo

Source: Valor International

https://valorinternational.globo.com/