Leonardo's 63rd birthday family controversy

Brazilian sertanejo singer Leonardo marked his 63rd birthday on July 25 with a low‑key, fishing‑themed gathering at his family farm. The party, organized by his wife Poliana Rocha, was attended by son Zé Felipe, Zé Felipe’s three children and grandchildren. Video from the event showed Leonardo prompting his one‑year‑old grandson to repeat a vulgar word, drawing criticism for exposing a child to inappropriate language. Earlier, Zé Felipe had posted a clip of his youngest son answering a suggestive question; he initially dismissed the backlash as “mimimi,” later apologised and defended the footage as a family moment. Poliana later shared a photo of Leonardo with Margareth Serrão, mother of former partner Virginia Fonseca, highlighting amicable family ties despite recent divorces.

Leonardo’s other son, 25‑year‑old actor João Guilherme, explained his absence, citing overlapping work commitments, including filming a biopic of late singer Marília Mendonça, and expressed hope to spend Father’s Day with his father.

In the days following the celebration, three child‑protection complaints were lodged through Brazil’s Disque 100 hotline concerning Zé Felipe’s video of his two‑year‑old son José Leonardo repeating a sexual phrase. The complaints were forwarded to the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship, 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 filed one of the reports, emphasizing the child’s vulnerability. Zé Felipe initially defended the clip as a harmless cultural joke, later apologised and said he would learn from the feedback. Authorities have not yet announced whether formal charges will be filed. The case remains under review.