Carlinhos Maia, one of Brazil's most popular digital influencers, faces serious backlash following accusations of transphobia against singer Liniker. The incident, which occurred on December 24, 2023, gained significant traction on social media, prompting outrage from fans and advocacy groups alike.
The controversy erupted when Maia, during an Instagram story, mistakenly used male pronouns when referring to Liniker, who is transgender. He remarked, "Você foi para o show dele, dela, delu, dolu, de Liniker. Dele! Mas ele cantou como dela com Priscila Senna do Recife, vou botar a música, o que importa é a música" (You went to his, hers, delus, dolus, Liniker's show. His! But he sang as hers with Priscila Senna from Recife, I'm going to play the music, what matters is the music). This defeated response to his remarks, combined with a perceived mocking tone, resulted in public outrage and accusations of transphobia.
Following the backlash, Carlinhos quickly deleted the video but made no apologies to the LGBTQIA+ community. Instead, he doubled down, stating, "Fica aqui não uma desculpa, porque não quero pedir desculpa, mas a Liniker é ela. Fica esse carinho aqui nela, vou continuar ouvindo, e a comunidade vá pra p que p*, não preciso de vocês para nada" (Here’s not just one excuse because I don’t want to apologize, but Liniker is her. Here’s this affection for her, I will keep listening, and the community can go to hell, I don’t need you for anything). This dismissal sparked even more criticism from followers and allies.
Instigated by this incident, two organizations advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights filed formal complaints against Maia with the Federal Public Ministry of Brazil on December 25, citing his comments as clear examples of transphobic behavior. Reports indicate the complaint is under review by the Federal Attorney's Office for Citizen's Rights (PFDC), which focuses on protecting fundamental rights within Brazil.
Liniker, who emerged with her band Liniker e os Caramelows, stands as not just a respected artist but also as a powerful advocate for representation and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community. Known for her soulful voice and poignant lyrics, Liniker recently made headlines as the first transgender woman from Brazil to win a Latin Grammy, thereby amplifying her role as both a cultural icon and activist for the marginalized. Her advocacy addresses not only gender identity but also systemic racism and social exclusion faced by many, particularly those within the LGBTQIA+ community.
The public’s response to the incident highlights the significant influence of social media as a tool for activism and social justice. Hashtags like #RespeiteLiniker and #TransfobiaNão trended shortly after the incident, signifying widespread support for Liniker and condemnation of transphobia. Prominent individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, including peers and allies, expressed their support through social media, condemning Maia’s remarks and calling for greater accountability from public figures.
This incident has underscored the urgent need for dialogue surrounding transfobia and the responsibility of influencers when addressing issues of gender and identity. Brazil leads the world with alarming statistics on violence against transgender individuals, with 118 reported cases of trans-murders in 2023 alone. Each incident reiterates the importance of respectful representation of individuals, particularly among the affluent class of influencers like Carlinhos Maia, who wield considerable sway over public opinion.
While he has faced intense backlash for his flippant comments, the broader conversation sparked by Maia's actions shines a light on the numerous challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community, especially amid rising acts of violence and discrimination. Emphasizing the power of education on gender identities, the current outrage serves as both moment of reckoning for Maia and call for heightened awareness around the issues of respect, empathy, and inclusion.
This case will serve as a reminder to the public about the significance of using correct pronouns as the bare minimum of respect for those who identify as transgender, and it highlights the potential impacts of one’s words in both personal and societal contexts.
Carlinhos Maia’s situation exemplifies the intersection of humor, insensitivity, and the urgent need for acceptance within society. The incident not only invites public scrutiny of his actions, but also sparks needed discussions on how cultural narratives can shift and evolve, helping us work toward greater inclusivity for all individuals, regardless of their identities.
