SBT Responds to Ratinho’s Controversial Remarks About Transgender Lawmaker
São Paulo, Brazil – Brazilian television network SBT has issued a statement condemning remarks made by its presenter, Ratinho, regarding federal deputy Erika Hilton. The controversy erupted after Ratinho questioned Hilton’s qualifications to lead the Commission for the Defense of Women’s Rights in the Chamber of Deputies, stating she was “not a woman.” The network’s response comes amid widespread criticism and a legal challenge from Hilton herself, who has accused Ratinho of transfobia – discrimination against transgender individuals – and is seeking substantial damages.
The incident has ignited a national debate about representation, gender identity, and the responsibility of media figures to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes. SBT’s statement, released Thursday, March 12, 2026, explicitly repudiates any form of discrimination and prejudice, emphasizing that such views are antithetical to the company’s core values. The network confirmed it is conducting an internal review of the incident and will address the matter to ensure adherence to its principles by all staff.
The controversy unfolded during the live broadcast of “Programa do Ratinho” on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Ratinho, a popular and often outspoken television personality, questioned the fairness of Hilton’s election to the commission’s presidency, suggesting the position should be held by a cisgender woman – someone whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. He stated, “It’s not right, with so many women, why give it to a trans woman? She’s not a woman, she’s trans.” He further added, “I have nothing against trans people, but if there are other women… a woman has to be a woman.”
Ratinho’s Comments Spark Outrage and Legal Action
Ratinho’s remarks, which were widely circulated on social media, drew immediate condemnation from LGBTQ+ rights groups, political figures, and the public. Critics accused him of promoting harmful and exclusionary rhetoric, and of undermining the progress made in advancing transgender rights in Brazil. Erika Hilton responded swiftly, announcing her intention to pursue legal action against Ratinho. According to reporting by G1, Hilton is seeking R$10 million (approximately $2 million USD as of March 12, 2026) in damages for moral harm, with the funds earmarked for projects supporting women victims of gender-based violence.
In a statement posted on her social media accounts, Hilton accused Ratinho of violence and a deliberate attempt to discredit her. She wrote, “I am and will always be a woman. This presenter is and will always be a rat.” She further argued that Ratinho’s comments were not simply a personal attack, but a broader assault on the transgender community. Hilton likewise filed a complaint with the São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP-SP), alleging transfobia, transphobic insult, and political violence, requesting an investigation into Ratinho’s conduct. Both the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Public Federal Ministry (MPF) will review the complaints to determine whether to open criminal and civil inquiries, respectively.
SBT’s Response and the Broader Context of Transgender Rights in Brazil
SBT’s statement, as reported by CNN Brasil and UOL, emphasized that Ratinho’s views do not represent the network’s position. The network stated, “The statements made by presenter Ratinho, expressed live yesterday on his program, do not represent the opinion of the broadcaster and are being analyzed by the company’s management, which will address the issue internally to ensure that our values are respected by all employees.” This response reflects a growing awareness within Brazilian media organizations of the need to address issues of diversity and inclusion and to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Brazil has a complex and often challenging environment for transgender individuals. While the Federal Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that transgender individuals should be allowed to change their legal gender without undergoing surgery, they continue to face significant discrimination in areas such as employment, healthcare, and education. According to a 2023 report by the National Association of Transvestites and Transsexuals (ANTRA), Brazil remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for transgender people, with a high rate of violence and murder. The election of Erika Hilton to the Chamber of Deputies and her subsequent appointment as president of the Commission for the Defense of Women’s Rights were seen as significant milestones in the fight for transgender representation and equality.
The controversy surrounding Ratinho’s comments highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the transgender community in Brazil and the importance of media accountability in promoting respectful and inclusive dialogue. The case also raises questions about the boundaries of free speech and the responsibility of public figures to avoid inciting hatred and discrimination. The legal proceedings initiated by Erika Hilton are expected to shed further light on these issues and could set a precedent for future cases involving transfobia and hate speech.
What is Transfobia?
Transfobia, as defined by various LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, is the prejudice, discrimination, or hatred directed at transgender people. It can manifest in a variety of forms, including verbal harassment, physical violence, denial of services, and systemic discrimination. The term encompasses a range of negative attitudes and beliefs about transgender individuals, often based on misconceptions about gender identity and expression. Transfobia is widely recognized as a human rights issue and is increasingly being addressed through legal protections and awareness campaigns.
In Brazil, transfobia is considered a form of racism, and is punishable by law. The legal framework protecting transgender rights in Brazil has evolved in recent years, with the Supreme Court’s 2019 ruling on gender recognition being a landmark decision. However, enforcement of these laws remains a challenge, and transgender individuals continue to face significant barriers to equality and inclusion.
The incident involving Ratinho and Erika Hilton underscores the urgent need for continued efforts to combat transfobia and promote understanding and acceptance of transgender people. It also highlights the crucial role of media in shaping public opinion and fostering a more inclusive society.
As of March 12, 2026, SBT has not announced any specific disciplinary action against Ratinho. The network’s internal investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming days. Erika Hilton’s legal team is preparing to file a formal complaint with the courts, and a hearing date has not yet been set. The case is likely to attract significant public attention and could have far-reaching implications for the debate on transgender rights in Brazil.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on this developing story and to engage in respectful dialogue about the issues raised. Further updates will be provided as they become available.