Havan owner Luciano Hang faces R$ 30 million lawsuit

The Brazilian retailer Havan and its owner, Luciano Hang, are facing legal and social scrutiny following recent controversies. The Labor Public Prosecutor's Office (MPT) has filed a lawsuit seeking R$ 30 million in collective moral damages. The action stems from a speech Hang delivered during a store opening in Caldas Novas, Goiás, where he criticized the proposal to end the 6x1 work scale. The MPT alleges electoral harassment, arguing that Hang's comments to newly hired employees linked labor legislation changes to electoral choices and potential economic hardships for workers.

In addition to the collective fine, the MPT is requesting individual compensation for affected employees of at least 20 times their last salary, as well as a public retraction from Hang.

Separately, Hang has been involved in social media disputes, recently using his platforms to rebuke critics who questioned the symbolism and architecture of Havan stores, such as the presence of the Statue of Liberty.