Patrícia Alencar, the 37-year-old mayor of marituba, Brazil, is facing scrutiny after a video of her dancing in a bikini surfaced online. The video, initially shared on a private Instagram account wiht fewer than 200 followers, was leaked and quickly went viral. Alencar, currently serving her second term as mayor, has responded to the controversy by defending her right to a personal life and criticizing what she sees as sexist double standards.

From market Vendor to mayor: Alencar’s Unconventional Path

Alencar’s journey to the mayor’s office is far from typical. She initially studied medicine but left her studies to work. For years, she supported herself by selling buckets and plastic basins in a local market. Her dedication to her community led her to politics, and last year, she secured re-election with over 70% of the vote, representing the Centrista MDB party.

The Viral Video and Its Aftermath

The video, showing Alencar dancing in a bikini, was originally posted to her private Instagram account. After the leak,it rapidly spread across messaging applications and social media platforms.

??? Brazil L The Mayor of Marituba, Patrícia Alencar, maintains a personal profile on Instagram, where she shares moments of her life with her 187 followers. In one of the stories, she appears dancing in her room, using a bikini. The video was recorded by someone and ended up leaking in… pic.twitter.com/RnTBQ9hQG4

– Parallel News (@np__OFICIAL) June 5,2025

Rather than shy away from the controversy, Alencar decided to address it head-on. she shared the video on her public social media profiles and criticized those who attempted to shame or belittle her.

Alencar’s Response: “Making Lemonade”

Alencar, a mother of three, responded defiantly, stating, I’m going to make lemonade with that lemon. She emphasized the double standards women in politics often face.

In a statement to the news portal G1, Alencar said, Regrettably, the body of an uncomfortable woman matters more than corruption, inefficiency, or negligence in politics. She further elaborated on the gendered nature of the criticism:

When a man has fun or relaxes, they consider him valid. But when it comes to a woman,they judge her,as if that annulled her competition.

Patrícia alencar, Mayor of Marituba

Mayor of Marituba (PA) of pronunciation after having video of panties and bra -leaked bra. pic.twitter.com/hhaSVodnqz

– Net Maciel (@nettomaciiel) June 6, 2025

Defending Women’s Multifaceted Roles

Alencar also used her official profile to address the criticism, denouncing the sexist criteria applied to women in public life. She defended the idea that women can simultaneously be professionals, mothers, and gorgeous. She expressed disappointment that some of the sexist comments originated from other women, urging them to evolve! and reject internalized machismo.