The eighth debate among candidates for the mayor of São Paulo, held on Monday by Grupo Flow, ended in chaos. Pablo Marçal (PRTB) was expelled in the final seconds of the program after host Carlos Tramontina reprimanded him for using derogatory nicknames against Ricardo Nunes (MDB), which violated the debate rules. Shortly after, Nunes’s marketing strategist, Duda Lima, was punched by one of Marçal’s aides and left the studio bloodied.
Marçal was dismissed with just ten seconds left for his closing remarks. Although he had maintained a moderate tone during the debate, he repeatedly referred to Mayor Ricardo Nunes as “bananinha” and vowed to “arrest” him if elected, citing investigations into a daycare mafia.
His exit triggered a rush as security and staff flooded the studio. The situation escalated when Nahuel Medina, part of Marçal’s team, punched Duda Lima. According to witnesses, Medina attempted to film Marçal’s expulsion when Lima reportedly asked to pass by him, leading to the altercation.
“This guy just punched Duda Lima out of nowhere. He was bleeding, with blood dripping on the floor,” reported Leandro Narloch, communications chief for Marina Helena (Novo).
In a social media post later, Medina claimed he was merely “defending himself instinctively.” He shared a video showing Lima laughing after Marçal’s expulsion and seemingly trying to take Medina’s phone.
Nunes and his strategist, who previously worked with Jair Bolsonaro (PL), went to the 16th Police District to file a complaint against Medina. The assailant also went to the police station, accompanied by one of Marçal’s lawyers and campaign coordinator Wilson Pedroso.
“Duda Lima was punched out of nowhere in a cowardly way. The officer thought it best for him to go to the hospital. He wasn’t feeling well and was dizzy. We’re heading to the hospital,” Nunes said as they left the police station. According to the mayor, Lima will be treated at Hospital Sírio-Libanês and will give a statement afterward.
Tassio Renam, Marçal’s campaign lawyer, stated that Medina was attacked by Lima before throwing a punch and that a report of bodily injury will be filed by Marçal’s team.
“Medina isn’t in custody. He’s waiting to give his statement. He didn’t leave in a police car; he came in my car. It was an act of legitimate defense. Duda Lima laughed, trying to take his phone, and ended up getting punched, which tore his shirt and scratched his chest,” Renam explained.
After leaving the studio, Marçal defended his staff member, claiming Medina only reacted to Lima’s provocation. Marçal criticized the debate mediator for expelling him from the event.
“Lima advanced and attacked a member of my team, and in reaction, he punched him. Unfortunately, people lack emotional balance in our society, which is what I say every day. We need to teach socio-emotional intelligence from the ground up in public education,” said the former coach. “The nurse from my team treated Lima, just so you know. So, it was a terrible debate.”
Tramontina, the debate moderator, criticized Marçal for using his final moments to “engage in everything he could not, including aggression and disrespect.”
“He clearly used his final time expecting no accountability or consequences,” the moderator remarked.
Candidates’ Reactions
After the debate, Marina Helena called the chaos “unacceptable.” In a discussion with the organizers, she advocated for the arrest of Marçal’s aide and emphasized the need for emotional intelligence, recounting that she had to “flee” from debates twice due to disturbances.
“Physical aggression like this is unacceptable,” she stated.
Tabata Amaral (PSB) accused Marçal of “once again” stealing the spotlight by failing to keep the debate focused.
“I’m sure tomorrow everyone will talk about the punch, not the proposals,” the candidate expressed, clearly frustrated.
Guilherme Boulos (PSOL) also condemned the incident as unacceptable, suggesting that Marçal is acting as a “scapegoat” for Nunes, diverting attention from the mayor’s management issues.
