Gilberto Gil and Family Sue Priest for R$370,000 Over Mockery of Afro-Brazilian Faith After Preta Gil’s Death

Overview

• Relatives named in the action include Gilberto Gil, his wife Flora, six of Preta Gil’s siblings, and her son Francisco, according to the court document.
• The lawsuit, filed in Rio de Janeiro, presents social‑media screenshots to argue the remarks triggered a wave of racist and intolerant comments.
• The homily was broadcast from Paróquia São José in Areial, Paraíba, shortly after Preta Gil’s death in July, and the video was later removed after complaints and an inquiry.
• The filing says the family sought an extrajudicial retraction and church discipline before suing, and it lists the Diocese of Campina Grande; the Diocese says it has not been formally notified.
• Legal experts note potential criminal exposure under Law 7.716/1989 (Lei Caó) and possible ecclesiastical sanctions, while the civil case remains in an early stage.