Lawyers for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro told the Supreme Federal Court on July 29 that he did not authorize the use of his image or voice in an AI-generated video shown at his son Flávio's presidential campaign launch on July 25. The video, aired at the Liberal Party's national convention, simulated a speech endorsing Flávio Bolsonaro's bid for the October 2026 election.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes gave the defense 48 hours to respond and warned that Bolsonaro, currently serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest for a planned coup after his 2022 election loss, could be returned to prison if he is found to have consented. Moraes noted that unauthorized AI use may constitute a deepfake, banned by the Superior Electoral Court in electoral advertising.
The defense argued Bolsonaro had no contact with Flávio due to a 90-day visit suspension. A coalition of center-left parties filed a complaint with the electoral court, which could annul Flávio's candidacy if violations are confirmed.