Politicians are normally judged by what they do rather than on what they wear, but one lawmaker in Brazil has caused a stir over her ‘revealing’ first-day outfit choice.
Lawmaker Ana Paula da Silva, known locally as Paulinha, had previously served two stints as a city mayor before being elected to the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina’s Legislative Assembly in October. But she rose to wider public attention in January, after pictures posted from the assembly’s opening day went viral and began to garner some unsavory attention.
The striking red outfit with the plunging neckline that the state deputy wore was quick to attract comments online. Some immediately questioned if it was the right place for her to wear it.
Others were quick to praise and deem Paulinha’s clothing choice as “appropriate for the place” and pointed out it is the character of the politician that counts. Some joked that “she went clubbing” after the formalities at the Assembly had ended.
However, many were scathing in their assessment calling her the “representative of prostitutes” and some even making references to rape.
On Monday, Paulinha retaliated against the worst of the trolls, claiming that her crew had copied the objectionable comments. They’ll be filed as part of a lawsuit aimed at bringing the most vicious comments to justice, including a state police officer. Any money she receives will go to an organization that helps battered women.
“I thought people were going to talk about the red, but they just focused on the cleavage,” she told local network NSC TV, adding that “the way I dress is my problem.”
“Women have breasts and I have big breasts, I’ve always been like that,” she said, adding that she won’t “become another woman” after becoming a deputy.
“The message has been given,” she said. “Women are in politics and society has to get used to it. There are much more important issues for the Legislative Assembly to discuss.”
Sources: Thegoptimes, Abcnews, Nypost
