André Rodrigues announced his resignation from the samba school Portela less than 24 hours after a parade marked by technical problems on Avenida Marquês de Sapucaí. The carnavalesco cited excessive responsibilities and personal attacks, including against his four-month-old daughter, in an Instagram post. Portela confirmed the end of the artist's cycle in an official statement.
The Portela parade, the third samba school to perform on the first night of Rio de Janeiro's 2026 Carnival, took place in the early hours of February 16 and was hampered by technical failures. The last allegorical float, linked to the Velha Guarda, faced difficulties entering the avenue, creating a gap in the procession and generating tension behind the scenes. André Rodrigues, the school's carnavalesco for 2024, 2025, and 2026, was seen trying to resolve the issue alongside other members.
In an Instagram post, Rodrigues vented about bearing responsibilities beyond his role, such as unlocking the allegorical car to ensure the Velha Guarda's parade. He mentioned attacks suffered over the years, now extended to posts about his four-month-old daughter. “Honestly, internet hate doesn't scare me, but it helps rethink priorities,” he wrote. Rodrigues thanked the school, especially Junior Escafura, and the Velha Guarda, from whom he learned much.
Portela issued a statement confirming the end of Rodrigues' cycle, highlighting his dedication, creativity, and respect for the school's history. “We deeply thank him for all his effort, the ideas shared, and the partnership built over these years,” the school stated. The parade's theme paid homage to Rio Grande do Sul through Custódio Joaquim de Almeida, a prince from the Benin region who influenced local Black culture and Batuque, an Afro-Gaucho religion.
The announcement came before the results judging, scheduled for Ash Wednesday.
