Brazilian singer Zé Felipe faces child‑protection complaints after viral video

Singer Zé Felipe was reported to Brazil’s Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship after a video posted on social media showed him holding his 1‑year‑10‑month‑old son José Leonardo and prompting the child to repeat a sexually‑charged phrase. The clip, recorded during the 63rd‑birthday celebration of singer Leonardo, quickly went viral and sparked nationwide outrage.

Three complaints were filed through the Disque 100 hotline and forwarded to the Conselho Tutelar of Goiânia and a regional police station for possible investigation under the Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente. Writer‑activist Jarid Arraes publicly filed one of the reports, emphasizing that the child is the vulnerable victim and demanding accountability.

Zé Felipe initially defended the incident as a harmless “cultural” joke, citing his own upbringing, but later issued an apology, acknowledging that some criticisms were valid and expressing a willingness to learn. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether formal charges will be brought.