The federal government responded to actress Solange Couto's statements on BBB 26, criticizing social assistance programs for allegedly encouraging school dropout. In a conversation on the reality show, Solange reported that an influential person advised a teenager to prioritize benefits over studies. The actress's daughter defended her, clarifying that she does not support former president Jair Bolsonaro.
On the second day of Big Brother Brasil 26, aired by Globo, actress Solange Couto, a Camarote participant, sparked controversy by commenting on social assistance programs during a conversation with fellow sister Sol Vega. 'I won't name the benefit, but a powerful person in the country said: ‘You have benefits, it's better to have benefits than to study’. I saw it, no one told me. It's very difficult when a teenager wants to study and hears from an older person that it's better for her to procreate', Solange fired, in a broadcast on January 13, 2026.
The statement was interpreted as criticism of Bolsa Família, a program aiding low-income families. Quickly, internet users linked the words to possible sympathy for the right and former president Jair Bolsonaro. In response, the official Federal Government profile on X (formerly Twitter) rebuked on the same day: 'BBB is back and on everyone's lips. But contrary to what was said on the show, Bolsa Família doesn't take anyone out of school. In fact, children under 18 who haven't completed basic education must be enrolled and attend 75% of classes for the benefit to be paid'.
Solange's daughter, Morena Mariah, went public on social media to defend her mother. 'My mom is not a Bolsonaro supporter, never was. I've been an activist for 15 years, she always respected my opinion. We've never had any issues because of that. And to set expectations, it's important to say she's not a militant, doesn't understand the subject that much, and won't be immune to mistakes in that sense', Morena wrote. Solange Couto, known for roles in soaps like 'O Cravo e a Rosa', participates in the reality as a guest.
