In a shocking turn of events, Brazilian television presenter Otávio Mesquita has publicly denied allegations of sexual assault made against him by Juliana Oliveira, a former stage assistant on the program "The Noite." This public dispute has reignited discussions about workplace harassment in the entertainment industry, drawing attention to the challenges victims face when coming forward.
On April 17, 2025, Mesquita, 65, took to social media and gave an interview to Quem magazine, where he asserted his innocence and claimed that Oliveira is being manipulated. "I feel sorry for her, despite what she did, because she will be harmed. She did it because she is being manipulated by someone," he stated, while minimizing the incident he described as a "joke" that occurred during a 2016 recording of the show.
Oliveira, on the other hand, has been vocal about her experience, releasing a video on Instagram on April 16, 2025, where she detailed her allegations of harassment. According to her account, the incident involved Mesquita groping her during a rehearsal and live recording. "The guy came at me with both hands on my butt and on my chest, and he wouldn’t stop," she recounted. "I was scared to report him and lose my job." Her courage to come forward only emerged after she left the show in 2024.
In her testimony, Oliveira revealed that she had sought help from the SBT network's compliance department, but felt ignored. She stated, "I made a complaint to a company run by women, but they didn’t even listen to me. I only went to Justice because SBT did absolutely nothing." Oliveira's allegations have sparked outrage, as they highlight the systemic issues surrounding harassment in the workplace.
Mesquita's response to the allegations has been to file a lawsuit against Oliveira for moral damages, claiming that her accusations are unfounded and that he has a strong support system from fans and celebrities. "I’m sad because Juliana will face a problem she shouldn’t have to face. Rape? I would never do that," he declared.
Danilo Gentili, the host of "The Noite," also weighed in on the controversy, defending his actions during the incident. In a 46-minute video posted on social media, Gentili stated that he never disrespected Oliveira and insisted that she had not reported Mesquita out of fear of losing her job. He described the allegations as a misunderstanding, asserting that he believed the environment was one of camaraderie. "I thought that she was leaving The Noite because she was tired of being there for ten years," he said.
Gentili further claimed that he had even confronted Mesquita about his behavior, asserting that he never turned a blind eye to the situation. However, he acknowledged the complexity of the allegations, stating, "If I had understood, I would have stopped the program immediately."
Oliveira's experience is not an isolated incident. Many women in the entertainment industry face similar challenges when speaking out about harassment. In her video, she explained that she felt trapped, often being locked in a bathroom to avoid encounters with Mesquita when he came to the studio. "I was locked in the bathroom for many years," she lamented, emphasizing the emotional toll the situation took on her.
Despite the personal and professional risks, Oliveira's decision to come forward has been met with support from various quarters, including fellow entertainers and advocates for victims of harassment. Her case has sparked broader conversations about accountability and the need for safe environments in workplaces.
As the story continues to unfold, the lack of a formal response from SBT regarding the allegations has raised questions about the network's commitment to addressing such serious matters. The broadcaster has yet to issue an official statement on the situation, leaving many to wonder how they will handle the fallout from these allegations.
In the wake of these events, the dialogue surrounding workplace harassment is more critical than ever. Advocates are calling for more robust protections for individuals who come forward with allegations, emphasizing the need for systemic change within organizations to ensure that victims are heard and supported.
As the legal proceedings between Mesquita and Oliveira develop, many are watching closely to see how this high-profile case will influence the broader conversation about sexual harassment and accountability in the entertainment industry.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to victims and addressing allegations seriously, as well as the need for cultural shifts to create safer workplaces for everyone.
