nation
Leo Media, the Brazilian singer, is one of 12 finalists in the competition to represent Portugal at Eurovision, and after his performance last Saturday, he says he started being attacked because of his nationality on social media. Find out the artist's reaction.
Leo Media/IG
Canção contestant and finalist Leo Media denounced on Tuesday xenophobic comments targeting him because he is Brazilian and wants to represent Portugal at Eurovision.
Singer Leo Media, 28, has been living in Portugal for seven years, and a large part of his repertoire is influenced by the country.
However, after his performance last Saturday at the Festival da Canção, where he sings in Brazilian Portuguese, the singer was subjected to xenophobic attacks on social media, as he himself reported on Tuesday.
“Since Saturday, hate speech has increased a lot. “I love Portugal and there are amazing people who have supported me since I arrived here 7 years ago,” the artist wrote in a post on Instagram.
Moreover, the artist also wrote that his songs are about Portugal, such as the songs Banho de Mar, Freguesia de Arroios and Bairro da Graça.
“It's beautiful for Portugal to sing to the world, just as Brazil to sing to the world with all the mix of rhythms that exist within my country. Celebrating difference is beautiful!”, exclaimed the Brazilian singer.
Moreover, Liu also considered multiculturalism to be “extremely beautiful, and the exchange between rhythms and dialects is valuable.”
Then, in another photo, the artist revealed some xenophobic comments that read: “The only thing missing is an interpreter from Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Portugal at its best”; “Will you represent Brazil? In Portugal, you are not welcome.” “The desire to sing in this disgusting accent, which will represent your country, which is Brazil”; “That's enough!” “I hope you finally come,” among others.
Fest da Canção and Brazilian host Wandson Lisboa was already the target of xenophobic comments during the Canção festival on social media.
The song that Leo Media will take to the final of the Festival da Canção – to give him the opportunity to represent Portugal at Eurovision – is called “Doce Mistério”, and is one of 12 songs selected for the final round on March 9.
Voting phone lines are now open and to vote for Leo Media, simply call 760 20 01 10.
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