Big Brother Brazil 2026 has been marked by intense controversies from the start. A participant quit after a sexual harassment accusation, while the White Room lasted five days with extreme food rationing. Machista and homophobic statements by Matheus Moreira sparked backlash and complaints.
In just two weeks, BBB 26 has become one of the most controversial editions in the reality show's history on Globo. The most serious case involved Pedro, who pressed the quit button after cornering Jordana in the pantry and trying to kiss her forcefully. Before the incident, he admitted cheating on his pregnant wife. The network treated him as eliminated or expelled, accused him of sexual harassment, and cut his contract. Pedro justified it by saying he couldn't resist because Jordana resembled his wife.
The White Room, a traditional dynamic, was the longest yet, with participants confined for five days, rationed food and drink, and constant lights. The extreme situation led to a resistance challenge, but Rafaella fainted and needed medical attention. Matheus, one of the winners, commented live: “We had a purpose to only leave fainting, and Rafaella honored that. Hunger represented what Brazil is, and it hurt us.” Host Tadeu Schmidt reprimanded him right away: “Regarding Rafaella, she's fine. Another thing: let's keep some criteria, because hunger is something else, it's a tragedy, terrible.”
Matheus also faced backlash for machista remarks about Gabriela, who revealed she is a virgin. In a talk with Leandro Rocha, he said: “The girl is a virgin. She doesn't have that open mind. For her, it's hard to relate to a tough guy like us.” Gabriela's team repudiated: “Matheus's comment about Gabriela is revolting. Saying she lacks an open mind because of her intimate life is low, machista, and dishonest.” Additionally, Matheus made homophobic comments about Juliano Floss, saying he felt uncomfortable with his outfit: “Bah, if I wear that... Me, a big black guy, with that.” Juliano replied: “Bro, that's homophobia.” Marcelo vented: “I felt very uncomfortable, ridiculous.” Matheus was reported to the Public Ministry for homophobia after pejoratively imitating gay mannerisms and arguing with Milena and Ana Paula Renault, calling the bothered ones 'whiny'.
