Brazilian Senate Candidate Flávio Bolsonaro Entangled in $13 Million Film Financing Scandal

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL‑RJ), a pre‑candidate for Brazil’s 2026 presidential race, admitted meeting with banker Daniel Vorcaro after Vorcaro’s first imprisonment to terminate his involvement in the biopic “Dark Horse,” a film about former President Jair Bolsonaro. Intercept Brasil disclosed audio in which Flávio requested financing for the movie; Vorcaro pledged up to R$ 134 million, of which at least R$ 61 million was transferred.

The exposure sparked a wave of political fallout: the Liberal Party (PL) debated the senator’s future, party leader Valdemar Costa Neto denied setting a 15‑day deadline to evaluate Flávio’s candidacy, and former Goiás governor Ronaldo Caiado warned that anyone “contaminated” by Vorcaro lacks the moral standing to be president. Lawmakers have urged the creation of a parliamentary mixed inquiry (CPMI) to investigate the Banco Master scandal, while the Electoral Court (TSE) is deemed unlikely to block the film’s release.

Actor Jim Caviezel, cast as Jair Bolsonaro, left the set early, citing personal security concerns amid heightened political tension. Meanwhile, Flávio sought a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, a move interpreted as an attempt to revive his campaign after the scandal eroded his poll numbers.