Brazilian Court Awards Right of Reply to Deputy Erika Hilton Against TV Host Ratinho Over Transphobic Remarks

A São Paulo court ordered SBT television to broadcast a response video from federal deputy Erika Hilton, after presenter Ratinho made transphobic remarks denying her status as a woman. The court determined that Ratinho's statements constituted humiliation rather than protected speech, and the broadcaster must air Hilton's rebuttal within ten days or face a 50,000-real penalty.

Quick Facts

Court ruling granting right of reply
Transphobic remarks made on television
Obligation to broadcast response video
Denial of transgender woman's identity
Case regarding freedom of expression limits

Brazil's São Paulo Court of Justice ruled on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, that federal deputy Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP) has the right to a televised response against SBT presenter Ratinho for statements deemed transphobic. Judge André Della Latta Cartaxo ordered the broadcaster to air a video of Hilton rebutting Ratinho's on-air claim that she "is not a woman," a remark made in reference to her status as a transgender woman. The network has ten days to broadcast the video in full, subject to a penalty of 50,000 Brazilian reals if it fails to comply.

In his ruling, Judge Cartaxo determined that Ratinho's repeated denial of Hilton's identity as a woman does not constitute mere personal opinion but rather constitutes humiliation and ridicule. The judge noted that such language undermines the human personality and reinforces long-standing behavioral stigmas imposed on femininity, particularly when biology is invoked not for respectful debate but to delegitimize transgender identity. The decision emphasized that the remarks dehumanized Hilton and, indirectly, all women—cisgender and transgender—who do not menstruate or have a uterus due to medical treatment or age.

In the response video that will air on SBT, Hilton asserts that freedom of expression has limits and is not absolute. She states that using television to deny the identity of transgender people goes beyond opinion and produces discrimination, humiliation, and violence. Hilton explicitly declares that "just as racism, transphobia is a crime in Brazil," and emphasizes the psychological and physical toll of such prejudice. Her statement underscores that transgender individuals suffer not only emotional pain from discrimination but also face daily violence resulting from such prejudice.

The SBT network previously distanced itself from Ratinho's statements through an official note, repudiating "any form of discrimination and prejudice" and clarifying that the remarks "do not represent the station's opinion." This public disavowal by the broadcaster itself strengthened the court's determination that Ratinho's language exceeded acceptable bounds. The decision is subject to appeal.

Deputy Hilton celebrated the court's decision, stating, "I will defend my dignity and the dignity of our entire community." The ruling is significant in Brazilian jurisprudence, establishing that television platforms have responsibility for protecting individuals from transphobic speech that goes beyond legitimate public discourse and constitutes actionable harm.

Topics

Politics Law Media Brazil Human Rights

#discrimination #Brazil #transphobia #São Paulo court #federal deputy #Erika Hilton #transgender rights #SBT #court ruling #right of reply

Entities

Why This Matters

This ruling sets a significant precedent in Brazilian law by establishing that television platforms bear responsibility for protecting individuals from transphobic speech that crosses the line from opinion into actionable harm. For LGBTQ+ communities and transgender individuals globally, it demonstrates how courts can interpret free speech limitations to protect vulnerable populations from systematic dehumanization in mass media. For media outlets and broadcasters, it clarifies that distancing statements are insufficient—platforms must actively enforce standards against discriminatory speech or face legal consequences.

Timeline & Sources

Jun 17, 2026

Wire

Judge André Della Latta Cartaxo issues ruling granting Erika Hilton right of reply against Ratinho

Jun 17, 2026

Wire

Court orders SBT to broadcast Hilton's response video within ten days with 50,000-real penalty for non-compliance

Jun 18, 2026

Wire

G1 publishes article about court decision

Jun 19, 2026

Wire

VEJA publishes article about court decision