Julia Lira 7-Year-Old Samba Queen Controversy
Julia Lira, the 7-year-old named as Rio de Janeiro’s “queen of samba” is at the center of a bitter controversy in Brazil.
Lira, the newly minted drum corps queen for the Viradouro samba group is too young to take on the traditionally sexy role, say critics.
The girl’s father, president of the samba group, defends his daughter’s participation, saying, “Any man who looks at a 7-year-old child and feels any sort of excitement should go see a doctor.”
Given Brazil’s history of sexual exploitation of children, Carlos Nicodemos, director of the Rio de Janeiro state Council for the Defense of Children and Adolescents, says allowing the young girl’s participation “would increase the treatment of children as sexual objects in Brazilian society.”
“We’re not against kids participating in Carnival; it’s part of Brazilian culture,” Nicodemos said. “What we can’t allow is putting a 7-year-old girl in a role that traditionally for Carnival has a very sexual focus.”
Also in question is whether or not Julia can withstand dancing in the sweltering summer heat during the 80-minute parade route. At rehearsal, she was given water within 10 minutes of taking the stage, and looked tired after 20 minutes. Marco Lira says his daughter is a natural and a serious performer and that she will be closely watched and able to rest.
Julia’s fate is in the hands of a family court judge who has declined to comment on when she will rule on the case.
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Source: NY Post
