Sérgio Maurício ordered to pay damages for transfobia against Erika Hilton

The São Paulo Court of Justice has ordered sports commentator Sérgio Maurício to pay R$ 10,000 in moral damages to Federal Deputy Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP) following transfobic attacks made on social media in February 2025. The court ruled that the commentator used the deputy’s gender identity to ridicule her, describing her as “a human fake news” and “this thing” in a post on X.

The ruling, issued by the 6th Civil Court of the Central Forum of São Paulo, also requires Maurício to issue a public retraction on social media. The judge noted that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it does not permit the degradation of individuals. The court highlighted that the post reached approximately 1.8 million views, amplifying the damage to the deputy’s image.

Following the initial controversy, Maurício was temporarily suspended from Formula 1 broadcasts by Grupo Bandeirantes. He later resigned his contract with the broadcaster in October 2026. The Federal Police are reportedly investigating the case for potential criminal implications.