William Correia becomes defendant in sexual harassment case

William Correia da Silva Junior, known as the ‘Copacabana vigilante,’ has become a defendant in a sexual harassment case in São Paulo. The prosecution alleges that the incidents occurred during a school competition in 2021, when the victim, a paralympic athlete, was 16 years old and Correia was 34.

According to the Public Ministry of São Paulo (MPSP), Correia made inappropriate comments toward the teenager and sent messages inviting her to his hotel room. He is also accused of entering the location where the athlete was staying with another minor. While an initial specialized hearing in Rio de Janeiro did not identify signs of sexual harassment, the investigation was transferred to the São Paulo Civil Police, which indicted him for continuous sexual harassment.

Correia’s defense has contested the charges, arguing that the accusation is generic and fails to demonstrate threat or intent to obtain sexual advantage. Despite requests for summary acquittal, the court has allowed the legal process to proceed toward a sentence.