Recife Mayor Victor Marques announced Tuesday night that Brazilian country duo Jorge & Mateus will no longer perform at the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. The decision followed criticism on social media over the booking, with the artists having supported Flávio Bolsonaro, who lost the presidential runoff election.
The performance had been scheduled for the night of December 27. As of the latest update, the city government had not said whether another act would take the duo’s place.
On Monday, Marques had posted a video calling for respect across political differences. In his announcement the following day, he said there was “no longer an atmosphere” for the duo’s performance as part of the program.
Marques also said the city would continue to hold the celebration, describing it as an established event that supports Recife’s hotel, bar, restaurant and related service sectors.
Sources: G1.