Amazonas Influencer Denounces Alleged Payment Offer from PT
William Robson claims to have rejected an offer of up to R$ 400,000 to support Lula in the elections
On Monday (7), Amazonas influencer William Robson published screenshots that he claims show an offer from the Workers' Party (PT) communications team to pay up to R$ 400,000 for posts endorsing Lula's reelection. The allegation became a central topic in debates over the use of influencers in electoral campaigns.
What was disclosed by the influencer
In the screenshots, the alleged message indicates a payment of R$ 100,000 for each Reel favoring the PT candidate, requiring three to four posts. The text also mentions a “partnership and advertising” without an invoice, but with the requirement of an “authentic and transparent” opinion. William Robson stated that he rejected the offer, saying he does not trade votes for money.
PT's reaction and request for investigation
The party's leadership in Amazonas, through communications secretary Cristina Lima de Araújo, denied the existence of any proposal or payment and requested that the Regional Electoral Court of Amazonas (TRE-AM) investigate the accusation. The PT also filed a complaint with TRE-AM seeking the removal of the posts, the preservation of digital records, and the right of reply.
Public clash between the influencer and the campaign coordinator
During a press conference on the evening of the 8th, the coordinator of Lula's campaign in Amazonas, former federal deputy Marcelo Ramos, called William Robson a “bum” and suggested that the R$ 100,000 could instead be loaned to the party. The influencer responded in a video, accusing Ramos of losing his temper and reiterating that he did not accept the offer.
Legal procedures and next steps
William Robson stated that he forwarded all materials to his legal team, but did not provide press contact information. The case was assigned to Judge Maria Benigno, who will analyze the complaint and rule on the removal of the content and the potential right of reply.
Context of the electoral race in Amazonas
The controversy arises during the runoff of the state election, in which Lula faces Flávio Bolsonaro. The alleged offer also included producing content against Flávio, highlighting topics that, according to the influencer, he would not support. The controversy highlights the attention political parties pay to the reach of digital influencers in campaign strategies.
With information from Diário do Poder, A Crítica, Cidades na Net.
Source: Diário do Poder, A Crítica, Cidades na Net