Lula Fires Minister Silvio Almeida after Accusations of Sexual Harassment

President cites 'serious allegations' against the minister, who denied the claims and said he was the target of innuendos and lies

President Lula dismissed the Minister of Human Rights, Silvio Almeida, on Friday (6), following accusations of sexual harassment, which were forwarded to the Me Too Brasil organization.

(FILES) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (R) and his Minister of Human Rights Silvio Almeida chat during the launch of the Living without Limits Program, a set of actions for the dignity and promotion of the rights of people with disabilities, at Planalto Palace in Brasilia on November 23, 2023. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on September 6, 2024 fired his human rights minister, Silvio Almeida, following claims that he sexually harassed several women. (Photo by EVARISTO SA / AFP) -

Almeida's departure from the government was confirmed by a statement from the Presidential Social Communication Secretariat. The text states that the allegations were "serious" and that Lula deemed the minister's continuation "untenable."

One of the alleged victims of sexual harassment is said to be the head of the Ministry of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco. The minister released a statement in which she said it is unacceptable to relativize or diminish incidents of violence.

Silvio Almeida, who said he repudiated the accusations after the case became public, was summoned to the Palácio do Planalto by Lula. He arrived shortly after 6 p.m. The note announcing his dismissal was released less than an hour later, and his removal was published in an extra edition of the Diário Oficial da União.

The Me Too Brasil organization confirmed in a statement on Thursday (5) that it had received the accusation against the minister but did not name the complainants.