Jayder Soares, the honorary president of Acadêmicos do Grande Rio, made headlines after throwing a chair towards journalists during the dispersal area of the famed Marquês de Sapucaí after the school's parade early Wednesday (18th). This incident occurred while journalists were covering the conclusion of the parade featuring Virginia Fonseca, a well-known influencer and the school's drum queen. The event was marred by chaos, as members wearing the school's administrative shirts pushed reporters and photographers both at the concentration zone and throughout the parade, contributing to an increasingly aggressive atmosphere.

The situation escalated during an event that was supposed to celebrate samba and culture, with some journalists suffering injuries, including cuts and torn clothing as reported by TV Globo, which holds the broadcasting rights for the parades. In their attempts to report on the event, journalists faced unexpected hostility, raising concerns about press freedom and safety during public events. Folha reached out to Grande Rio's press office via WhatsApp and phone but received no response before the article was published, indicating potential fallout from this altercation.

Moreover, social media videos captured Soares in close proximity to Virginia as they moved towards the concentration area, which further inflamed tensions. The lack of official commentary from Grande Rio and TV Globo following the incident reflects the challenges and complexities of reporting on high-profile events, especially when outside influences, such as celebrity status, can disrupt traditional journalism practices. Such occurrences highlight the need for better security and respect for the press in high-stakes celebrations like Carnival in Brazil.