A celebrated plus-sized influencer is suing a Brazilian official for more than GBP 8,000 after he body-shamed her on social media and damaged her image.
Brazilian beauty blogger Thais Carla reportedly wants compensation after politician Nikolas Ferreira ridiculed her for being obese.
She claims his mockery caused her to lose sponsorships because of the controversy.
Ferreira first insulted the blogger by commenting on a beauty photoshoot of her wearing body paint, saying: “They took away the beauty”.
Then – after an online pounding for his comment – he posted an ‘apology’ video where he ironically remarked that he “should have treated obesity as a novelty, as empowerment, and not as a disease.”
He added: “Where have you seen it, [in] the 21st century, having your own opinion, right?”
Shortly after, he posted a photo montage of himself in which he appears to be obese and said: “Now I have a place to speak.”
Thais is one of the main anti-fatphobia influencers on social networks and produces content on the subject.
But she said Ferreira had caused her to suffer financial damage after losing numerous online sponsorships.
She is expected to file a lawsuit against Ferreira and allegedly wants BRL 52,000 (GBP 8,200) in compensation.
Thais’ lawyers, Ives Bittencourt and Janaina Abreu, spoke about the legal action they are taking and said: “Being a federal official does not authorise a politician to violate the legislation in force in the country.
“As experts in image rights and cybercrime, we emphasise that freedom of expression is not absolute.
“Therefore, we understand that Mr Nikolas Ferreira violated, in addition to the image, the honour of our client.
“Actions like these are fundamental to reestablish the dignity of the plus-sized population of Brazil, which even in 2023, remains invisible and marginalised in all its spheres.”
Former dancer Thais Carla stands out on social networks for her effort to tackle fatphobia.
The artist from Rio de Janeiro is married to Israel Reis and has two daughters.
On her social media platforms, she commonly posts photos in bikinis, advocating self-love and highlighting the beauty of plus-sized people.
