Striker Willian José, from Esporte Clube Bahia, subject of proceedings by the Public Ministry of Bahia (MP-BA) on suspicion of xenophobia, publicly apologized after sharing a video insulting the Northeast on social media. In a statement released on Thursday night (29), the player acknowledged that he made a mistake and stated that he had no intention of disrespecting the region and its residents
"Not bad, but it was a mistake! And we don't justify mistakes, we recognize them and apologize", wrote the athlete.
At the demonstration, Willian José also stated that he is not xenophobic and highlighted his pride in being from the Northeast and from Alagoas. According to him, he would never intend to diminish or disrespect the land and people from which he came.
"I'm from the Northeast, from Alagoas, and I'm very proud of my roots, my history and my people. I know the strength, courage, dignity and contribution of Northeasterners to the development of our country", he declared.
The player also recognized the responsibility of his position as a professional athlete and the influence that his words and attitudes can have.
The apology comes after the MP-BA initiated a procedure to investigate suspected xenophobia involving the attacker. The measure was announced on Wednesday (28) and is led by the Public Prosecutor's Office to Combat Racism and Religious Intolerance.
The case began after Willian José shared, on Sunday (25), a video by a digital influencer who called the Northeast the “cancer of the country”.
In the recording, the man criticizes people who receive benefits from the State, states that he intends to leave Brazil and directs insults at the northeastern population.
The publication provoked outrage among Bahia fans, who used the player's and the club's social networks to repudiate the content. After the repercussions, the attacker deleted the post and limited new comments on his profiles.
Initially, Willian José had published a text in which he claimed to be from the Northeast and justified the sharing as a warning about the actions of politicians and dependence on public benefits. At the time, he did not apologize.
The player also reposted videos on social media that question the result of the presidential elections and publications criticizing the Northeast. The shares were made after the results of the second round were announced on Sunday (25).
In the new demonstration, the player also mentioned the history of Esporte Clube Bahia and stated that he recognized the importance of the fights for respect, equality and inclusion defended by the institution.
“I am fully aware of the history of Esporte Clube Bahia, an entity that carries in its essence important struggles for respect, equality and inclusion, values that are part of its identity and that deserve to be honored by everyone who has the privilege of wearing this shirt”, he wrote.
Willian José also stated that he has political convictions, but emphasized that this does not mean condoning prejudice or discrimination.
“Regardless of political positions, I want and defend the best for my people and for our Brazil”, he declared.
Until the last update of this report, the Public Ministry had not announced a deadline for completing the procedure.
Esporte Clube Bahia stated that it does not condone manifestations of hatred, xenophobia or prejudice. In a statement, the club said that the situation was handled internally and highlighted that the content does not represent its values.
"Bahia reaffirms its non-partisan character while distancing itself from any speech that encourages intolerance or discrimination. After all, we are proudly from the Northeast and from everyone, without social, color, religious or political distinction", stated the club.
