In a shocking turn of events, comedian and former stage assistant of the SBT program "The Noite", Juliana Oliveira, has publicly spoken out after filing a criminal complaint against presenter Otávio Mesquita. The complaint, submitted to the Public Ministry of São Paulo (MPSP) on March 27, 2025, alleges that Mesquita committed rape during a recording of the show in April 2016.
"It wasn't easy! Making my pain public and seeking justice was a difficult decision," Juliana shared, emphasizing her struggle with the situation. She has chosen to remain silent for the time being, stating, "At this moment, I choose silence to protect myself, organize my feelings, distance myself from internet judgments, and find support in my family." She plans to speak openly when she feels ready.
The incident in question took place on April 25, 2016, during a live recording of "The Noite". Juliana's complaint includes images showing Mesquita allegedly touching her breasts and private parts against her will. Her lawyer, Hédio Silva Jr., argues that such acts, even without penetration, constitute rape under Brazilian law.
In response to the allegations, Mesquita has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the incident was a pre-arranged joke between them before the recording began. He also stated that he had not been formally notified about the complaint. According to Juliana, while she was on stage assisting Mesquita with safety equipment, he allegedly groped her and simulated sexual acts, which lasted about three minutes. The defense claims that the images provide clear evidence of physical violence, as Juliana attempted to fight him off.
Comedian Igor Guimarães, a former colleague of Juliana, recently spoke about her reaction behind the scenes after the incident. During an appearance on the "Programa do Ratinho", he revealed that Juliana was deeply affected by the event. "I know it was a situation she complained about a lot, something that made her very upset and that she had a lot of difficulty dealing with," he said. Guimarães expressed his support for Juliana, stating, "I’m always on the side of women. I don’t know what happened, but I know it bothered her deeply and hurt her a lot."
Juliana's situation has sparked significant discussion within the entertainment community, with many rallying behind her. However, not everyone has been supportive. Ratinho, a fellow presenter, controversially defended Mesquita, suggesting that Juliana had previously engaged in flirtatious behavior with him. He showed a video allegedly from a year prior where Juliana appeared to fall on Mesquita during a skit, questioning whether Mesquita could sue her for harassment. Ratinho also raised concerns about the impact of accusations on families, stating, "The problem with the accusation is that it destroys the family because it takes time to reach a conclusion."
As the story unfolds, it is clear that the allegations have had a profound impact on all involved. Mesquita has taken to social media to express his gratitude for the support he has received, stating, "I thank all my friends for their support. I have received thousands of new followers after the accusation, and I appreciate everyone who understands that I was a victim of a manipulated person." He maintained that he was simply joking and that the accusations were unfounded.
On the other hand, the Public Ministry of São Paulo has confirmed that they are currently analyzing Juliana's complaint. The case has raised questions about workplace safety and the treatment of women in the entertainment industry, with many advocating for a thorough investigation.
Juliana, who has worked alongside prominent figures in Brazilian comedy, including Danilo Gentili, Leo Lins, and Murilo Couto, was reportedly dismissed from SBT in February 2025 while working as a reporter for the program "Chega Mais". Her departure has added another layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative.
As this situation continues to develop, it highlights the ongoing challenges women face in speaking out against abuse and the varying responses from the public and media. The conversation surrounding Juliana's allegations emphasizes the need for a supportive environment for survivors of sexual violence.
In a society where accusations can have significant repercussions, both for the accuser and the accused, the importance of due process and the sensitivity required in handling such cases cannot be overstated. As more voices join the conversation, it remains to be seen how this particular story will unfold and what it will mean for those involved.
