Paulo Leminski Neto, known artistically as Lucky, and his wife Claudia Tonelli are facing dire circumstances in Rio de Janeiro after being evicted from their home due to financial difficulties. The couple, both of whom are battling depression, has been homeless for the past four months, struggling to survive while selling Claudia's drawings in Praça São Salvador, Laranjeiras.
Their plight took a tragic turn on March 20, 2025, when Claudia was violently attacked while leaving a public restroom. A 29-year-old man, who reportedly has a history of 22 police records, assaulted her, delivering a near-fatal blow to her forehead and attempting to rape her. Thankfully, a passerby witnessed the attack and promptly called the police, leading to the assailant's arrest.
After the incident, Claudia was rushed to Hospital Miguel Couto for treatment. She is now recovering but faces severe post-traumatic stress as a result of the attack. While the couple is currently staying in a hotel in Lapa, the cost of their accommodation, which is 120 reais per night, is being covered temporarily by friends, leaving them anxious about their uncertain future.
In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Leminski expressed his concern for Claudia, stating, "I just want my love to be well soon. I am shaken, traumatized, but also stoic at the same time. There’s a lot of anger about everything, and things are what they are; sometimes you walk on water, other times the fish swims downwards. There are people in my family who couldn’t endure even a few hours of my day. I am a musician, a singer, and a poet shaped by chemistry, the engineering of experiments, and suffering. The streets are strange at night, but you just need to be tired. Solidarity and danger exist here; patrols check if everyone on the sidewalk is registered. I’ve been warned about the streets; many people settle in and can’t find their way out. But the predators come and destroy your nest. I want my love to be well soon. She shielded me from the blow while I tried to push the aggressor away; it wasn’t supposed to be like this. Not even the malice of the streets will separate us. Claudia is the love of my life. I am taking care of her. I am thankful for the love, solidarity, and everyone’s perspective on our situation, without judgment. I have encountered various forms of social resentment, grudges, and a spontaneous and radiant strength to live that I have never seen before. I say this without exaggeration. I just want Claudia to recover, and she is getting better, but the traumas signal through the days. A cheap room here and there. We are mapping our plans; time is short. Who knows, we might run to the mountains. Claudia Leminski, I love you more than anything, more than anything! We still need a lot of help, a boost. Pix key: (21) 97743-4031.
Paulo Leminski Neto, who was born Luciano Costa, discovered he was the son of the renowned poet Paulo Leminski in 2001 with the publication of the biography "O Bandido Que Sabia Latim" by Toninho Vaz. Despite this revelation, he has yet to receive any royalties from his father's works, who passed away in 1989. According to reports, Leminski's relationship with his mother, Nevair Maria de Souza, and Alice Ruiz, the widow of Paulo Leminski Filho, is fraught with complications. He has expressed a willingness to undergo a DNA test to confirm his paternity, provided his half-sisters, Áurea and Estrela, also participate.
As the couple continues to navigate the challenges of their current situation, they are also dealing with the emotional fallout from the attack. Their story has garnered attention online, prompting many to rally for their cause. Claudia has shared her own reflections on the experience of living on the streets, describing it as a mix of invisibility and uncomfortable visibility. "Living and sleeping on the streets is a mix of invisibility and uncomfortable visibility," she stated in a recent post.
With their future hanging in the balance, Leminski and Claudia are desperately seeking support to find stable housing and regain some semblance of normalcy. As they continue their fight for survival, they hope that their story will resonate with others and inspire acts of kindness.
Both Leminski and Claudia are currently patients at a Centro de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPs), where they receive treatment for their mental health issues. Their situation highlights the urgent need for social support systems and the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis.
As they await further assistance, the couple remains hopeful for a brighter future, one where they can leave the streets behind and rebuild their lives. Their journey serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles many face in silence and the power of compassion in overcoming adversity.
