Rico Melquíades faces R$ 5 million lawsuit for alleged electoral harassment

The Labor Public Prosecutor's Office in Alagoas (MPT-AL) has filed a civil public action against digital influencer Rico Melquíades, accusing him of electoral harassment against his domestic employees. The legal action, currently in the 11th Labor Court of Maceió, seeks R$ 5 million in collective moral damages and the fulfillment of 18 specific obligations.

The accusations stem from a viral video in which Melquíades allegedly threatened to fire a worker for supporting the Workers' Party (PT). The MPT alleges that the influencer used his position of power to coerce employees regarding their political preferences, potentially linking employment benefits, salaries, or dismissals to voting choices. Additionally, he is accused of exposing workers' personal data on social media to generate engagement and profit.

In response to the backlash, Melquíades issued a public retraction on social media, apologizing to workers and stating that no employee should face coercion. He also claimed the women in the video were family members who consented to the recording.

Separately, the Electoral Public Prosecutor's Office (MPE) has opened an investigation into possible electoral coercion and has requested that the Federal Police investigate the matter to determine if any crimes under the Electoral Code were committed.