The word 'corrupto' written on Flavio Bolsonaro's hand goes viral in Brazil

During a television debate held ahead of the presidential election runoff in Brazil, far-right politician Flavio Bolsonaro unexpectedly drew criticism after writing the word 'corrupto' (corrupt) on his hand, sparking a viral social media trend across the country.

During a live television debate where he faced his leftist rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Flavio Bolsonaro displayed the word 'corrupto' written on his palm, leading viewers to interpret the move as a confession of his own guilt. Following the broadcast on Sunday night, many citizens and prominent figures began writing their own professions on their hands and sharing them on social media.

Latin American expert James Bosworth, in an assessment via Substack, described the move as a critical mistake in the election race and stated that Bolsonaro had created a meme image that he will carry throughout his political career. Although Bolsonaro has long been associated with corruption allegations, he denies the claims and has no final conviction against him.