A live debate between mayoral candidates in São Paulo, Brazil, spiraled into violence on Sunday, September 15, when José Luiz Datena attacked his opponent, Pablo Marçal, with a chair.
The heated confrontation was broadcast by TV Cultura, capturing the moment Datena, visibly angered during a verbal clash, swung a chair at Marçal. The attack left Marçal needing medical attention for his injuries.
Datena later explained that his outburst was triggered by Marçal raising old sexual harassment allegations against him—claims that had been dismissed years ago. The televised altercation shocked viewers, though no official response has been released by TV Cultura.
“He came with a case that was archived, that was not even investigated by the police because there was no evidence. Something from 11 years ago that caused a very serious situation within my family,” Datena said.
Datena was expelled from the debate but insisted in a statement Monday that while he had made a mistake he did not regret his actions.
Marçal was treated at Sírio Libanês Hospital before being released. His team said he was treated for a possible fracture in the chest region and had difficulty breathing. The hospital said he had suffered trauma to his chest and wrist, but without any major complications.
Marçal compared the chair attack to the July assassination attempt against former US President Donald Trump and the stabbing of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro during the 2018 election, posting an image of all three attacks on Instagram with the caption: “Why all this hate?”
The remaining candidates Guilherme Boulos, Marina Helena, Ricardo Nunes and Tabata Amaral continued the debate following the attack. TV Cultura said it regretted the incident and had pressed ahead with the discussion in accordance with the rules after the other candidates agreed.
Marçal’s team has vowed to take legal action.
“Pablo Marçal was cowardly attacked by José Luiz Datena, who hit him in the ribs with an iron chair,” Marçal’s team said, adding that it was unfortunate the debate had continued without him.
CNN has reached out to São Paulo police as well as Datena and Marçal’s teams.