Brazil: Senate expands influencer investigation into online betting advertising
High-profile influencers are now facing questions over their role in promoting gambling to millions of followers.
Key Points
- Influencers are getting backlash after testyfing
- More influencers, including major celebrities, are being summoned by the Senate
- An influencer demonstrated how he gambles live during his session
After Brazilian influencer Virginia Fonseca’s testimony in the Senate’s betting inquiry, the investigation continues. Fonseca, one of Brazil’s most-followed personalities, refused to disclose how much she earned from betting platforms and has since lost more than 2 million followers on Instagram, besides getting a lot of backlash.
The CPI has now summoned a new wave of celebrities and digital creators to testify about their promotional ties to betting platforms. The list includes singers, YouTubers and mostly former reality show contestants turned influencers that represent some of the biggest figures in Brazil’s entertainment and influencer ecosystem.
This week, another high-profile figure, influencer Rico Melquiades, testified before the committee. In a surreal moment during the hearing, Melquiades opened the “Fortune Tiger” online slot (commonly known in Brazil as the “jogo do tigrinho”) and demonstrated how he places bets, while senators watched.
Good to know: The list includes YouTuber Felipe Neto, who has 44 million subscribers, singer Gusttavo Lima, and lifestyle and maternity content creator Viih Tube
Like Fonseca, Melquiades received authorization from Brazil’s Supreme Court to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination. He also clarified that while he promotes gambling platforms, he does so through personal accounts and has no financial gain tied to follower losses.
With the CPI extended until mid-June, more hearings are expected to follow. The committee has expressed intent to summon other high-profile influencers connected to the betting sector. Meanwhile, critics have questioned whether the investigation will lead to real change or simply spotlight a few personalities.
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