São Paulo Electoral Prosecutors Charge Pablo Marçal With Insult and Defamation Over Campaign Posts Targeting Datena

Overview

• Filed on Nov. 5, the complaint from São Paulo’s Electoral Prosecutor’s Office accuses Marçal of two counts of defamation and one of insult stemming from statements made during the 2024 mayoral race.
• Promoter Cleber Rogério Masson of the 1st Electoral Zone alleges the remarks were disseminated on Instagram with electoral intent, activating penalty increases under electoral law.
• The filing cites Marçal calling José Luiz Datena an “aggressor of women” and “sexual harasser” and claiming he “bought a girl’s silence,” including a live broadcast after a debate-day incident at Hospital Sírio-Libanês.
• Prosecutors request conviction and that the court set a minimum amount for moral-damages compensation, arguing the online campaign context warrants tougher punishment.
• Datena denies the accusations, Marçal had not responded to requests for comment, and press reports note potential penalties could include prison terms of up to five years and four months, fines and indemnities.