Brazil Senator Cleitinho apologizes for photo request with influencer Virginia Fonseca amid betting scandal

Senator Cleitinho Azevedo (Republicanos‑MG) said he was "idiot" after asking influencer Virginia Fonseca for a selfie during her testimony before the Senate's CPI of bets. He displayed the photo on the Senate floor and publicly apologized, noting the request was a personal mistake.

The same week, the Federal District Public Prosecutor's Office (MPDFT) filed a public civil action against Virginia and the online betting platform Blaze. Prosecutors allege the influencer promoted the platform with deceptive marketing, earning a 30% commission on bettors’ losses, and that users reported blocked accounts and withheld funds. The MP seeks up to 120 million reais in collective moral damages. The CPI had previously recommended indictment of 16 people, including Virginia, though its final report was not approved.