Judith Butler Confronted by Right-Wing Activists at São Paulo Airport
On Friday, as Judith Butler was leaving Brazil from Congonhas airport in São Paulo, she came across right-wing protesters. The group, Ativistas Independentes, displayed signs criticizing her stance on abortion and queer studies, accusing her of spreading hatred towards Israel and promoting gender ideology globally. Butler reacted by shouting, 'Fuck you,' while an associate sustained a minor injury from a sign during the confrontation. This event followed earlier protests at SESC Pompeii, where Butler participated in a three-day symposium called 'The End of Democracy.' The situation reflects a growing trend of right-wing and evangelical Christian groups challenging cultural events in Brazil, especially after the political turmoil surrounding Dilma Rousseff's impeachment and Michel Temer's presidency.
Key facts
- Judith Butler was protested by right-wing activists at Congonhas airport in São Paulo on Friday.
- Activists from Ativistas Independentes criticized her work on abortion and queer studies.
- Butler responded with 'Fuck you' during the incident.
- An associate of Butler received a scratch from a placard.
- Protests had also occurred earlier at SESC Pompeii during a symposium titled 'The End of Democracy'.
- Right-wing and evangelical Christian groups have targeted numerous exhibitions and plays in Brazil.
- In October, hundreds in the Brazilian art world signed an open letter decrying censorship and harassment.
- The political context includes the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff and the presidency of Michel Temer.
Entities
Artists
- Judith Butler
Institutions
- Ativistas Independentes
- SESC Pompeii
Locations
- Congonhas airport
- São Paulo
- Brazil