Paulo Mendes, facing harassment from fans, has publicly stated that he is not the character Raul from the show 'Três Graças,' which has drawn significant ire due to the character's association with drug debts that negatively impacted another character, Joélly. Mendes emphasizes his individual identity, stating, 'I am me,' in response to being conflated with this villainous role.

The actor's experience mirrors that of Beatriz Segall, who portrayed Odete Roitman in the highly popular Brazilian series 'Vale Tudo' in 1988 and had to retreat from public life due to being recognized and harassed as her character. This highlights a troubling aspect of celebrity culture, where actors can be targeted for the actions of their fictional counterparts, often leading to aggressive and hostile treatment from the public.

Mendes's situation raises questions about the boundaries between an actor's personal life and their professional roles, and it sheds light on the potential psychological toll such harassment can take. The need for audiences to differentiate between performers and their characters is critical to fostering a more respectful culture around television and film.