This is the shocking moment a Brazilian TV presenter and mayoral candidate hits a political rival over the head with an iron chair during a heated election debate.
Pablo Marcal was hospitalised with suspected rib fractures and breathing difficulties following the brutal attack broadcast live on television.
The footage shows José Luiz Datena approaching his victim and throwing the heavy stool at Marcal’s head from close range, although he managed to raise an arm at the last minute and slightly deflect the blow.
Both men aspire to become mayors of Sao Paulo.
Far-right digital influencer and life coach Marcal upset Datena by mentioning sexual harassment allegations made against the TV host that were dismissed by prosecutors.
Pablo Marcal was hit with a chair by José Luiz Datena live on television
Brazilian TV host and mayoral candidate José Luiz Datena crashed the iron chair on the head of his political rival
Marcal was hospitalized with suspected fractured ribs and breathing difficulties after the brutal attack.
This led to an exchange of insults that ended with physical aggression after Marcal accused his political rival, who like him has never held a political office, of wanting to attack him during a previous televised debate but desisting because he was “not man enough.”
Last night’s debate, organised by the specialist television channel TV Cultura, was briefly suspended.
The competition resumed with the remaining candidates after Marcal was admitted to hospital and Datena, host of the police and crime show Brasil Urgente, was expelled.
The attacker was reported to police by a lawyer acting on behalf of the victim of the attack, although there were no immediate reports of an arrest having been made.
Datena admitted to having “lost control” in comments made as she left the television studio and linked her reaction to the stress caused by the death of her mother-in-law from a stroke following sexual harassment allegations made against her.
He said: “I don’t choose moments of emotion. I’m a real man.”
Stating he was certain his relative’s death was caused by the sex offences allegations, he added: “I felt like it was all coming back to me and I couldn’t really stop it.
Am I wrong? Yes. But what can I do?
TV Cultura reported in a statement: ‘TV Cultura regrets the incident that occurred during the debate of the candidates for mayor of Sa Paulo on Sunday, starring the candidates José Luiz Datena and Pablo Marcal.
Last night’s debate, organised by the specialist television channel TV Cultura, was briefly suspended following Datena’s violent outburst.
‘The broadcaster reiterates that, following the attack, all measures were taken in accordance with the rules previously established in writing between TC Cultura and the campaigns of all the candidates present, including the expulsion of candidate José Luiz Datena.
‘The debate continued subject to consultation and agreement of the other candidates.
‘During the event, all measures were taken, including those related to press coverage, to ensure the safety of those present in accordance with previously agreed rules.’
A statement released by Pablo Marcal’s advisers overnight said: ‘Pablo Marcal was cowardly attacked by José Luiz Datena, who hit him in the ribs with an iron chair.
‘Unfortunately, Marcal had to leave the debate in an ambulance to receive emergency medical attention.
‘It is regrettable that the debate continued without the presence of the candidate who was attacked.
‘Pablo Marcal is injured, with suspected fractures in the thorax and difficulty breathing.
“We hope that the appropriate legal measures will be taken and we count on the prayers of the people.”
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