The presentation marked the end of the initiative, which began as the Algodão Doce block
Dancer Carla Perez spoke out on social media on Monday, 16th, after being accused of racism for climbing on the shoulders of a black security guard during Salvador’s carnival. The scene, recorded on Sunday, the 15th, had repercussions on the networks and generated criticism from internet users.
The moment happened when the artist pulled the trio from the Pipoca Doce project, free, on the Osmar circuit (Campo Grande) for the last time.
The presentation marked the end of the initiative, which began as the Algodão Doce block, aimed at paying revelers, and gained space as one of the pioneering proposals in carnival when thinking about the festivities especially for children.
On X, a user commented: “Brazil, 21st century? 2026, Sinhá (Carla Perez) and her servant during the Salvador carnival.”
Brazil, 21st century? 2026, Sinhá (Carla Perez) and her servant during the Salvador Carnival 😔
— Gil Costta (@GilCostta)
‘The image that remains is harsh’
In the statement, Carla stated that the intention was to hold a farewell in keeping with the project’s trajectory and explained why he climbed onto the security professional’s shoulders.
“I climbed on the security guard’s shoulders to get physical contact and, therefore, being closer to my children, at specific moments along the way, due to my height”, she wrote.
The dancer also recognized the impact of the record and said that the scene can reinforce symbolic readings related to structural racism. “The image that remained is harsh, and I recognize that. Even though the intention was good, the scene reproduces symbols that cross us as a society”, he stated.
Carla also added that the episode refers to historical inequalities in Brazil. “It refers to historical inequalities that structure our country and that can never be naturalized. Nothing justifies it. Absolutely nothing”, he declared.
Apology
Still in the text, Carla apologized directly and said she recognized the error. “I apologize, directly and sincerely. Recognizing the error is my first step. The second is to act”, he said.
The artist also highlighted the role of Salvador Carnival as a cultural expression linked to the black population. “Salvador’s Carnival, the biggest street party on the planet, is held mainly by black people and for black people. It is an expression of resistance, culture and power”, he wrote.
He then reinforced: “I am aware of the historical responsibility that this carries. I made a mistake. I recognize it. And, once again, I apologize.”
Commitment against structural racism
In the publication, Carla also stated that she intends to use the episode as a learning experience and reaffirmed the commitment to confront racist practices. “I reaffirm my non-negotiable commitment to combating any practice or symbolism that reinforces structural racism,” he declared.
At the end of her speech, the dancer reinforced her apology again and cited her emotion at saying goodbye to the trio. “Here I conclude, highlighting my apology and with a heart full of love, still very emotional about yesterday’s farewell. I thank everyone for their understanding”, he concluded.
*Estadão Content
