Renan Santos faces backlash over unauthorized use of ‘Bete Balanço’

Musician Roberto Frejat and representatives of the late Cazuza have issued a formal repudiation against presidential candidate Renan Santos for the unauthorized use of the song ‘Bete Balanço’ in his campaign.

The campaign utilized a parody of the track, titled ‘Vote na Onça’, during a political act in Rio de Janeiro. In a joint statement, Frejat expressed that the use of the song demonstrates a ‘total lack of respect for the authors’ rights’ and emphasized that he does not share the candidate's political ideals.

Warner Chappell, the publisher responsible for the works of the band Barão Vermelho, has already issued an extrajudicial notification to the Santos campaign. The legal notice, sent in late September, seeks an amicable solution regarding the unauthorized use of the composition, which was adapted with satirical lyrics aligned with the candidate's political platform.