The São Paulo Court of Justice (TJ-SP) has unanimously upheld a 15-year prison sentence for Rubens Ferreira do Espírito Santo, the founder of Atelier do Centro. This ruling followed the rejection of an appeal by Ferreira, who sought to nullify the decision from the lower court. The testimonies of the victims were supported by witness statements and various pieces of evidence, including images and forensic reports. The presiding judge emphasized the importance of believing the victims and warned that discrediting them could lead to greater impunity for sexual crimes.

Ferreira was accused by former students of engaging in sexual violations through fraudulent means, alongside allegations of financial exploitation and psychological abuse within his art school. The case gained widespread attention in January 2023 following its revelation on the podcast "O Ateliê," which spotlighted the serious allegations and the broader implications of such abuse in educational environments.

The ruling is significant not only for its affirmation of the legal consequences for Ferreira but also for its ramifications on how similar cases may be approached in the future. Legal experts note that the firm stance taken by the court may encourage other victims of sexual abuse to come forward, knowing that their testimonies can be given due credence and can effectively counteract attempts at discrediting them. Meanwhile, Ferreira retains the option to appeal the ruling while remaining free during the process.