The rapper Oruam was arrested on Thursday afternoon, February 20, 2025, in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, after attempting to evade police during a traffic stop. Reports indicate he executed a dangerous maneuver known as "cavalo de pau" to escape, resulting in immediate police action.
According to O Globo, Oruam was pulled over during a police blitz but decided to flee, driving against traffic at high speed. This reckless behavior led to his arrest on charges of dangerous driving. Authorities confirmed he has been set at bail equivalent to 40 minimum wages, roughly R$ 60,700.
Shortly after the arrest, Oruam’s team issued statements through social media reassuring fans of his well-being, stating, "Mauro is fine, I appreciate the concern... we are focused on trying to resolve the situation the best way possible." His arrest sparked significant public interest, and crowds began to gather around the police vehicle, prompting officers to use pepper spray to disperse the gathering.
Oruam—whose real name is Mauro Davi dos Santos Nepomuceno—is not just another face among the many rising stars of Brazilian hip-hop. At only 25, he has become one of the most prominent figures within the funk and trap music scenes. Known for hits like Oh Garota Eu Quero Você Só Pra Mim and his most-streamed songs on Spotify, Oruam has amassed over 13 million monthly listeners on the platform.
Adding to his notoriety, Oruam is the son of Marcinho VP, who has been labeled as one of the leaders of the Comando Vermelho drug trafficking organization, and is currently incarcerated for serious crimes, including murder. Despite his father's criminal past, Oruam has openly expressed admiration for him. Notably, he once wore a shirt bearing his father's image at Lollapalooza, signifying his complex relationship with family legacy.
This incident isn't the first to raise eyebrows about Oruam. Recently, there has been increased scrutiny on his public persona, and he has garnered attention not only for his music but also for controversies surrounding his lifestyle choices, including extravagant displays of wealth. He was recently seen with celebrities like Neymar and has shared glimpses of his lavish lifestyle through social media, sparking debates on the influence of artists like Oruam over youth culture.
The anti-Oruam law, proposed recently at the São Paulo City Council, seeks to limit the hiring of artists who promote crime or drug use during public performances, especially directed at youth audiences. This proposal gained support shortly after Oruam's rising fame and is part of broader discussions on cultural responsibility and the impact of artists' messages on society.
Witnesses to his arrest noted the chaos as Oruam was escorted out of the police car—spectators gathered, eager to catch a glimpse of the rapper. This led to tensions, requiring more officers from Barra Presente, the local policing initiative, to manage the situation effectively.
The repercussions of this arrest for Oruam's career remain to be seen. While some fans passionately defend him, calling it another case of over-policing celebrity culture, others suggest this incident might overshadow his musical achievements.
With his growing visibility, Oruam has also faced backlash due to his choice of tattooing his body with images associated with crime and violence. Oruam's notoriety continues to clash with the responsibilities of his growing platform, leaving questions about the future path for the rapper.
Whether this incident alters the course for Oruam's promising career or accentuates the existing criticisms surrounding him is still uncertain. The intersection of fame, family heritage, and public scrutiny creates a unique dynamic for Oruam as he navigates his next moves within the complex world of entertainment.
His fans, who resonate with the stories and music he creates—key themes of resilience and defiance—will be watching closely to see how he addresses this latest challenge. The impact of his choices could inform conversations about the responsibilities of public figures and the messages they convey through their art.