Brazil graduate awarded R$ 6,000 after graduation song fails to play

A 19-year-old graduate from the Instituto Federal Catarinense in São Bento do Sul, Santa Catarina, has been awarded R$ 6,000 in moral damages after her chosen song failed to play during her graduation ceremony.

The student, who served on the graduation committee, had selected ‘I Kissed a Girl’ by Katy Perry for her entrance. She stated the song was deeply personal and represented her identity. Video evidence presented in court showed the student standing in the corridor after being announced, but no music played.

The decision by the Special Civil, Criminal, and Tax Court of São Bento do Sul condemned the event organizing company responsible for the ceremony, which took place on December 19, 2025.