A Brazilian mayoral candidate attacked his political rival with a chair on live television during a debate.
The incident was sparked when Pablo Marçal insulted José Luiz Datena, a crime reporter, and brought up sexual harassment accusations against Datena, The New York Times reported Monday. (RELATED: Suspected Antifa Sympathizer Pleads Guilty To Detonating Nail-Filled Bomb At Alabama AG’s Office)
“You crossed the debate stage recently to slap me,” Marçal said, referring to an earlier debate. “You’re not even man enough to do that.” Datena responded to these goads by apparently hurling an iron chair over the back of Marçal.
Marçal was rushed to hospital following the assault. His aides said he sustained a fractured rib, and according to medical officials, he dislocated his finger, The Independent reported.
The moment when Datena raised a chair against Marçal was captured on video and shared on Instagram. The footage showed Marçal speaking to the camera and turning suddenly as Datena barreled in Marçal’s direction with a chair held aloft.
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Marçal uploaded footage of himself at the hospital with his injuries on Instagram.
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Datena admitted that “he lost his cool” during the debate and said, “I made a mistake, but I don’t regret it in any way,” The New York Times reported.
Both candidates are running to be mayor of São Paulo, Latin America’s largest city.
