Actor Marco Furlan arrested for alleged sexual assault of autistic child in São Paulo

Actor Marco Furlan, 48, was detained in Pindamonhangaba, São Paulo, after a 5‑year‑old autistic boy was allegedly sexually assaulted during a birthday party at a rented farmhouse. The child's mother heard the child crying, entered the room and found Furlan and the boy without clothing; the child reported anal pain. Police seized the scene, took the child for medical examination and confirmed injuries compatible with sexual violence.

Furlan first told investigators he had confused the child with a girlfriend because he was drunk, later claimed he could not remember the incident. The São Paulo court converted his arrest in flagrante into preventive detention to ensure public order and the continuity of the investigation, which also looks into possible links to other crimes involving minors. Authorities have requested the seizure of his electronic devices.

The case prompted strong reactions from the artistic community. Fellow actor Kiko Pissolato, who worked with Furlan for nearly two decades, said he felt a “luto” (mourning) for the image he had of his former colleague and emphasized the need for reflection on masculinity and child protection.