Read Lula’s statement on the controversy between Zezé Di Camargo and SBT

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) discussed Zezé Di Camargo’s controversial statements about the SBT. The compatriot made a video for social networks criticizing the channel and the daughters of Silvio Santos because of the company’s recent decisions, including Lula’s participation in a channel event.

At the end of a press conference at the Palácio do Planalto this Thursday (12/18), Lula commented on the episode. “Who is from the SBT here? I want you to convey to the daughters of Silvio Santos my solidarity with the stupid attack that Zezé Di Camargo launched against them,” he said.

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President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a press conference during breakfast with journalists, at the Palácio do Planalto

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Zezé received nearly 20 million reais in public funds in 2025

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Zeze Di Camargo

Reproduction/TV Globo.

“He would not have had the courage to attack men like this, but he did it to women. And I want to end by telling you, women, that my fight against femicide is real,” added Lula.

Understand the case

Zezé Di Camargo released a video in the early hours of last Monday (15/12) criticizing the daughters of SBT and Silvio Santos. In the video, he states that the businessman’s daughters, who now run the company, are “prostitutes themselves.”

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According to the singer, Silvio’s heirs would manage the channel differently from that adopted by their father. He cited as an example the presence of President Lula and Minister Alexandre de Moraes at an institutional event promoted by the channel.

“One thing I have always said in my life: a son who does not honor his father and mother, for me, does not exist,” the artist said in the video.

After the repercussions of the affair, the management of SBT decided to cancel the broadcast of a special Christmas program recorded by Zezé Di Camargo. The decision was taken because Daniela Beyruti, president of the company, would not have accepted the criticism of her compatriot. The channel is still considering taking the matter to court.

Apologies

After the negative repercussions, Zezé Di Camargo spoke out and apologized to Silvio Santos’ daughters. In the statement, the singer also said that the term “prostitute” had been misinterpreted.

See the note in full:

“Regarding the video that I published early yesterday morning, I would like to point out that I used the expression “prostitute” in a figurative sense, without any offensive or gendered intention. Despite this, the expression was misinterpreted. At no time was there the intention of disrespecting the women of the Abravanel family or any woman. However, my words caused discomfort, and for that I sincerely apologize.”