Silvio Almeida, the former Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship, has recently spoken out about the allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Anielle Franco, the current Minister of Racial Equality, following his dismissal from the cabinet. Five months after his exit from the ministry - which was precipitated by Franco’s claims of inappropriate behavior during a meeting, including touching her leg under the table - Almeida granted an interview with UOL to share his perspective on the case.
Franco reported during the meeting on May 16, 2023, attended by several high-ranking officials including the director-general of the Federal Police, Andrei Rodrigues, and Tiago Pereira, the acting president of the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), alleged events of misconduct by Almeida. "Imagine a meeting with two ministers present, with me seated at the side of the table and the minister at the end - would I pass my hand over the legs of the minister right there? That’s absurd," Almeida stated, reflecting his disbelief at the allegations laid against him.
He described the May meeting as particularly tense, focused on urgent issues related to racism at airports. According to Almeida, it was Franco's actions, rather than his, which were inappropriate. “At some point, she grabs my arm and says, ‘You want to give lectures everywhere, but this isn’t the place for it.’ I remained quiet and had to leave due to another commitment,” he explained. Afterward, he reportedly expressed to his team his belief of having been disrespected by Franco.
Almeida alleged Franco had been bothered by rumors insinuations about his reputation, which he suggested were unfounded and fabricated within political circles. He claimed she had participated in spreading gossip, aiming to damage his credibility as he had perceived rising influence over antiracism policy discussions, which fell under her ministerial oversight.
“I believe she was caught in an unfortunate trap of misunderstanding our political world. Just like I was,” Almeida remarked. He suggested her decision to double down on her accusations was triggered by the political stakes at play, resulting not only in severe personal consequences for himself but also influencing wider governmental policies.
High tensions and politicized controversies surround the allegations as both individuals prepare to offer testimonies to the Federal Police to aid the investigation. Almeida’s interview highlighted his view of the environment wherein the incident unfolded, painting it as rampant with political motivations behind personal grievances.
During the course of his public statements, Almeida has dismissed other claims of misconduct from former students and acknowledged the investigations garnered by the Me Too movement. He condemned the leaks of accusations to the media, arguing such actions compromise the presumption of innocence inherent to every accused individual.
Franco has consistently maintained her position, agreeing to testify about the alleged misconduct. “What was done to me qualifies as sexual harassment, and must never be trivialized as mere political games,” she asserted, focusing on addressing the seriousness of her claims against Almeida.
It is noted Almeida’s response to the overall allegations has conveyed indignation. “It’s been painful; first with sadness, followed by indignation,” he articulated, remaining adamant about his innocence. “I refuse to apologize for actions I did not commit; I refuse to offer comfort to injustice.”
Almeida also remarked on former friends and colleagues expressing disappointment following the allegations, hinting at the broader effects of the political climate on personal relationships within the government. Meanwhile, the investigation is still under way, with the Federal Police having requested additional time to finalize their findings.
Defending himself, Almeida suggested Franco had fallen prey to political traps and manipulation, noting the insidious nature of gossip within politics. “There are people who specialize, both inside and outside the government, to create intrigue and leak them to the press. Both Anielle and I found ourselves ensnared within the mess,” he reflected.
On the other hand, Franco’s stance continues to challenge Almeida’s narrative, emphasizing the need for the truth to be recognized rather than swept under the rug of political maneuvering. “It’s unacceptable to try discrediting victims or minimizing their trauma,” she articulated, reaffirming her commitment to supporting victims and combating gender violence.
With two separate inquiries underway, one from the Ministry of Public Labor and another from the Federal Supreme Court, both Almeida and Franco are set to offer their statements as the weight of these accusations continues to loom over both figures and the political backdrop they operate within, raising intense scrutiny surrounding issues of power, abuse, and accountability within political leadership.