A Brazilian state governor apologizes after joking about the deadly methanol poisoning crisis Brazil
Sao Paulo state governor Tarcicio de Freitas was forced to apologize after responding to the deadly methanol poisoning crisis by joking that he would only worry when smugglers started making counterfeit Coca-Cola drinks.
Freitas, a close ally of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, made the comment during a news conference about his response to the alcohol contamination scandal that has centered around his state and left at least three people dead. Among the victims was a 30-year-old mother who died after drinking a vodka and fruit juice cocktail at a party.
Brazilian Health Minister Alexandre Padilha, a doctor, urged citizens to avoid white spirits such as vodka and gin until authorities discover the source of the contaminated drinks. “We are not talking about a product that is essential to people’s lives,” Padilha said last week.
On Monday, Freitas appeared to shed light on the situation when he described the concerns of spirits manufacturers like Jack Daniel’s and Johnnie Walker about illegal counterfeiting. Of their products. “[Alcohol] “That’s not my cup of tea,” the presidential candidate said.
“The day they start counterfeiting Coca-Cola is the day I’ll be worried. It’s a good thing they haven’t reached that point yet.” Freitas added With an embarrassed smile.
The remark went viral and unleashed a torrent of criticism, with many comparing it to Bolsonaro’s callous and inept response to Covid, which has killed more than 700,000 Brazilians.
“So what? I’m sorry. What do you want me to do?” Bolsonaro asked a reporter in April 2020 when asked about the rapid rise in the death toll. A year later, with more than 260,000 people dead, Bolsonaro asked citizens to stop “complaining.”
Freitas – who hopes to inherit Bolsonaro’s political movement following the recent sentencing of his mentor to 27 years in prison for plotting a military coup – expressed regret for his comments on Tuesday.
He admitted he was “making a joke” to lighten the mood, but claimed his words were “really misinterpreted”.
“I ask for forgiveness from families who suffer after losing their loved ones [and] “From business owners whose companies are suffering,” said Freitas, who many expect will challenge current leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for the presidency in next year’s elections.