The São Paulo Justice system condemned businessman Rodrigo Branco to pay doctor and presenter Thelma Assis R$ 40,000 for racist statements made in 2020 during BBB 20. The sentence was released on Monday (15).
The decision was issued by judge Flávia Snaider Ribeiro of the 6th Civil Court of the Regional Forum XII – Nossa Senhora do Ó. The case recognizes that racist manifestations go beyond the individual sphere and produce effects on the entire black community.
Thelma Assis stated that she will allocate the amount to an institution fighting racism. The presenter, winner of BBB 20, noted that the sentence represents judicial recognition of broader social impacts.
Rodrigo Branco said he will not appeal the decision and classified the episode as the greatest mistake of his life. The process proceeded in default after the businessman could not be located by Brazilian Justice.