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Maurício Souza is a member of the Brazil men’s national volleyball team. Or rather, he was until last week when he was fired over a homophobic Instagram post about Jon Kent, the son of Superman, being bisexual.
After blasting the cartoon, Souza fired back at critics in a video about cancel culture and people being intolerant of other people’s intolerance and blah, blah, blah.
Bickering over the sexuality of a fictional character seems like a really stupid hill to die on, but it’s what 33-year-old Souza decided to do. And now that he’s officially out of a job, he’s eyeing a career change.
Naturally, he considering a foray into politics. More specifically, he wants to be the president of Brazil.
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In the week since the controversy, Souza says a number of conservative groups have approached him about running for public office.
“This is something that was not foreseen,” he tells local media. “I never imagined myself in politics, but they are asking me a lot. Many conservative parties are telling me that it would be important.”
Asked whether he’s seriously considering it, Souza said he’s still not sure.
“I need to reflect,” he says. “I have a great responsibility, in every publication I do, in every interview I give. I am seeing the direct impact that I am having on people. Today they see this example in me. I have to ask God for wisdom to represent these people well.”
One thing Souza seems pretty sure about, however, is that his professional volleyball career is over.
“I won’t find a team easily,” he says. “There will be pressure on the sponsors and teammates. You have to have a very strong head to handle all this. If that’s the price you pay to give your opinion, I paid dearly.”
Graham Gremore is the Features Editor and a Staff Writer at Queerty. Follow him on Twitter @grahamgremore.
Chrisk
So basically the conservative groups interest was that he’s an anti-gay bigot since there was never any interest before. That in the dipshit actually believes the crap they’ve been telling him.
Peter
Would you work for a corporation if the CEO was utterly unqualified to be CEO? Oh, I dunno — like trump, for example. Who are these people who think any dumbass celebrity whom they share an opinion with can be president? They have no respect for the serious undertaking the job requires. I know he’s a long way from being sworn in, but JFC, what the hell is wrong with people?
Bengali
I agree with you 100%. People with no prior political experience should not be able to run for higher office such as governor or presidency or other offices that require experience to be able to do the job.
Mack
Another Trump wannabe. Get elected to spread hatred.
Man About Town
I hope he realizes that his desire “to ask God for wisdom” will require tremendous patience and a very long waiting list.
Fname Optional Lname
Running for President? Of Brazil? Does he not know that a horrible homophobe has already filled that position?
Cam
His hatred was so important to him, that it was more important than his job.