Wagner Moura files a criminal complaint against Silas Malafaia
Actor Wagner Moura filed a criminal complaint against pastor Silas Malafaia for defamation and insult. The action, already received by the Court, points out that Malafaia exceeded the limits of freedom of expression by calling him a “cretin” and a “crack leftist” in posts on X de Janeiro this year. The case was published by Folha de S.Paulo and confirmed by Estadão.
In the publications, the pastor wrote: “For this idiotic artist, a good government is giving teachers a raise of 18 reais and 18 billion for what they call culture.” He then posted again criticizing what he called “left-wingers defending an artist who takes money from taxpayers to propagandize a corrupt government”.
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The action classifies the statements as “injurious and defamatory offenses, with the clear intention of tarnishing” the actor’s honor. The action also recalls that Malafaia has already been ordered to pay compensation to YouTuber Felipe Neto and is responsible for insults against Army generals, which would demonstrate a pattern of “personal attacks that go beyond the limits of legitimate public debate”.
When contacted by the report, Malafaia classified the action as a “joke” and “intolerance”. He also denied having committed any crime.
Malafaia also questioned having been chosen as a target among the thousands of users who criticized the artist online after his defeat at the 2026 Oscars. Wagner Moura was the first Brazilian nominated for an American award in the leading actor category for his role in The Secret Agent. The film competed in four categories at the ceremony, but did not win any.
“There are thousands of memes against him, even with bad words. Why did he choose me?”, said Malafaia.
For the pastor, the answer is political. “Is it religious prejudice or because I have influence? They want to silence me at all costs,” he said.
The pastor said he had not been notified of the criminal complaint until the time of the interview and assured that he will not back down.
The Court of Justice of Rio de Janeiro (TJ-RJ) confirmed the registration of the case. However, he stated that the case is being carried out under judicial secrecy.
