Alysson Mascaro denounces the "cancel culture"
A lawyer says his case marks the end of a mechanism of moral and political persecution.
247 - Brazilian jurist and legal philosopher Alysson Leandro Mascaro gave an emotional testimony on the program Bom Dia 247, in which he recounted the two years of persecution he suffered and denounced what he called the "cancel culture industry." During the interview, he stated that the episode he experienced symbolizes not only a personal attack, but a broader attempt to silence critical voices and independent intellectuals in the country. The account, broadcast by TV 247, gained strength as it was presented as a call to resistance against the public destruction promoted by social networks and traditional media. During the interview, Mascaro stated that he was the target of "the greatest persecution process in the 21st century." He described the attack as orchestrated, supported by anonymous profiles on the internet, academic institutions that abandoned the right to defense, and media outlets that served as instruments for destroying reputations. "The persecution machine targeted me," he recalled. In his speech, the lawyer also directly addressed the issue of his identity and sexuality, pointing out that they were exploited as a tool for defamation. He stated: “I am proud of my sexuality. I am a bisexual man and I am proud of it.” Regarding the moralism that permeated the entire process, he stated: "Vile and cowardly moralism kills people." Mascaro further contextualized his case within a larger offensive against critical intellectualism. "They persecuted Lula, they persecuted Dilma, but the plan to destroy the left needed to reach the ideas," he affirmed. He accused segments that declare themselves progressive of composing a "left-wing neoliberalism": "There is a left-wing neoliberalism, which masquerades as left-wing, but is right-wing – or even far-right." In a stark account of his institutional experience, the University of São Paulo professor said: "I saw the university spit in my face, but I endured it." He recalled being suspended from the university and described the episode as a symptom of a disciplinary logic applicable to any critical thinking. Faced with adversity, Mascaro stated that he was committed to transforming pain into political momentum. "For the rest of my life, I will dedicate myself to defeating the cancel culture industry," he declared. He emphasized that his case symbolizes more than a personal dispute: “The last illusions I had, I lost them all. At the gates of hell, I left all hope.” The interview had a swift and widespread impact: according to Brasil 247, unprecedented expressions of solidarity emerged—students, intellectuals, and activists all spoke out, recognizing Mascaro's account as a collective denunciation of silencing.
Thus, Alysson Mascaro's speech points to what he considers a watershed moment: it's not just about defending oneself, but about provoking questions about the mechanisms of moral, reputational, and academic coercion that exist in Brazil. Watch:
