Brazil's TSE Minister Rejects Lawsuit to Block Bolsonaro Biopic

On 12 June 2026, Kassio Nunes Marques, president of Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE), dismissed a legal action that sought to prevent the release of the film *Dark Horse*, a biographical movie about former president Jair Bolsonaro. The suit was filed by federal deputy Rogério Correia (PT‑MG) and lawyers from the Grupo Prerrogativas, who argued that the film could serve as propaganda for senator Flávio Bolsonaro, a pre‑candidate for the 2026 presidential election, and that its financing by businessman Daniel Vorcaro raised concerns about illicit campaign funding.

Nunes Marques ruled on procedural grounds, stating the plaintiffs lacked standing because they do not contest the same national election constituency as the alleged beneficiary. He quoted the legal precedent: “the representatives do not dispute election in the national constituency.” The decision did not evaluate the merits of the accusations, leaving the film’s planned September 2026 release unimpeded.

Separately, the Workers' Party (PT) lodged a request with the Supreme Court, the Federal Police and the Electoral Prosecutor to investigate *Dark Horse* for possible money‑laundering, misuse of public funds and illegal financing linked to Vorcaro, citing the film’s timing and content as a potential electoral instrument.