Brazilian influencer Malévola Alves detained in Egypt

Brazilian transgender influencer Mariana Alves, known as Malévola Alves, and her friend Bruna Mercatelli were detained in Alexandria, Egypt, on October 20, 2026. The Egyptian Ministry of Interior confirmed the arrests following the circulation of social media videos that authorities classified as involving “pornographic exhibition, sexual insinuations, and harassment of passersby in public spaces.”

According to official statements, the influencers admitted during interrogation to recording and publishing the content to increase social media engagement. The videos reportedly showed the women dancing, making sexual gestures, and interacting with locals in ways that violated Egyptian laws regarding public morality and family values.

Following legal proceedings and the payment of bail—reported to be approximately 110,000 Egyptian pounds—both women were released and permitted to return to Brazil. While they have been cleared to leave the country, the legal process regarding the incident is expected to continue in Egypt, which could lead to future travel restrictions.