São Paulo Mayoral Debate Turns Violent as Candidate Attacked with Iron Chair on Live TV
SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL– In a shocking turn of events during a televised mayoral debate in São Paulo, candidate and TV host José Luiz Datena struck his political opponent, Pablo Marçal, with an iron chair. The assault occurred after a heated exchange over sexual harassment allegations against Datena, which had previously been dismissed by prosecutors.
Brutal Attack on Air
Footage shows Datena launching the chair at Marçal, who partially blocked the blow but was still rushed to the hospital with suspected fractured ribs and breathing difficulties. Marçal, a far-right digital influencer, had accused Datena of backing down from attacking him in a prior debate, taunting him as “not man enough.”
The altercation caused a brief suspension of the debate, organized by TV Cultura, but resumed after Marçal was taken to the hospital and Datena was expelled from the studio.
Datena Admits to Losing Control
Datena, a well-known crime show host, admitted he “lost it” due to stress linked to personal grief over the death of his mother-in-law. “I felt it all coming back to me… Am I wrong? Yes. But what can I do?” he remarked as he left the studio.
Marçal’s legal team has filed a police report, and investigations are ongoing. Despite the violence, the debate proceeded with the remaining candidates.
Marçal’s Team Responds
In a statement, Marçal’s advisors condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly” assault. “Pablo Marçal is injured, with suspected fractures and difficulty breathing. We hope for appropriate legal action and ask for prayers.”
São Paulo’s mayoral election will take place on October 6th, with both candidates’ political futures now in question.
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