Brazilian Superior Tribunal of Justice Minister Marco Buzzi, aged 68, has requested a 90-day leave of absence from his position, following serious allegations of sexual harassment levied against him. On Tuesday, Buzzi submitted a medical certificate from a psychiatrist to justify his leave. The court’s press office stated that it would only comment after an extraordinary meeting was held to discuss the ongoing allegations against the minister. Buzzi has been vocal about his innocence and emphasizes in his communication to colleagues that these accusations have deeply affected his family and social ties.

The allegations surfaced when an 18-year-old girl accused Buzzi of sexual harassment. Facing pressure from these accusations, Buzzi sent a letter to his peers denying the allegations explicitly and expressing his confidence that he would prove his innocence in the legal procedures that have been initiated against him. The context of these charges comes amidst a growing discourse around sexual misconduct in various professional spheres, emphasizing the importance of accountability for public figures and how such claims impact both victims and accused individuals.

Additionally, a new complaint was filed with the National Justice Council against Buzzi on the same day he sent his letter, indicating the severity and the possible continuation of the investigation into his conduct. As the STJ convenes to address these allegations, the implications of this case could affect not only Buzzi's career but also address wider issues of sexual behavior in positions of power within Brazil's judiciary system.