Danilo Gentili, a Brazilian comedian and host for SBT, publicly ridiculed the relegation of the samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói, which had an enredo (thematic plot) celebrating President Lula during the Carnival parade. The school finished last in the Special Group of the Rio Carnival, which typically signifies a significant drop in prestige and visibility for the group. Gentili took to social media to express his disdain, labeling the comedian who portrayed Lula in the festival as a 'propagandist.'

The controversy deepened with the involvement of fellow comedians. Paulo Vieira chose to remain silent in response to Gentili's remarks, while fellow comedian Marcus Adnet countered with irony, asserting he was not part of the parade. This back-and-forth among Brazilian comedians underscores the larger cultural and political tensions within Brazil, especially regarding the portrayal of President Lula and his administration in the media and public discourse. The rivalry and criticisms among these well-known figures reflect not only personal disputes but also broader ideological divisions in Brazilian society.

The incident highlights the significant cultural importance of Carnival in Brazil, where samba schools often use their performances to comment on political and social issues. The relegation of a school that dedicated its theme to Lula may offer insights into the current political climate and public sentiments towards the president, illustrating how humor and satire play roles in shaping public opinion amidst political controversies.