A well-known Brazilian influencer has been involved in an unusual scandal after being fined approximately £150,000 for a video posted on social media. Carlinhos Maia filmed and later published footage showing two individuals feeding wild birds with cooked meat during a boat trip. The video, which went viral, immediately drew the attention of environmental authorities in Brazil.
According to officials, the act is considered an environmental crime, as feeding wild animals with non-natural products can harm their health and disrupt ecological balance. Moreover, the influencer's significant impact on social media, with over 35 million followers, contributed to the increased fine amount. Authorities clarified that the individuals who physically fed the birds were also fined separately, while Maia was penalized for publishing and profiting from the content.
For his part, the influencer has called the decision unfair and stated that he was not the one who fed the birds. He has announced that he will challenge the fine in court, arguing that similar cases in the past have been penalized with much lower fines.