Actress Paolla Oliveira, 44, was criticised by fans of influencer Virginia Fonseca on Sunday after congratulating singer Anitta on becoming the new drum queen of samba school Acadêmicos do Grande Rio.
Oliveira left a supportive comment on Anitta's social media announcement, telling the 33-year-old pop star to be happy and grand in everything she does, and as Grande Rio and Caxias deserve.
Her remarks drew backlash from followers of 28-year-old Fonseca, whom Anitta replaces at the head of the samba school's percussion section.
Backlash from Virginia Fonseca supporters
Several internet users rushed to defend Fonseca following Oliveira's reaction. One person said they did not understand the criticism because Fonseca had never harmed anyone, while another wrote that female rivalry was hanging in the air. Another commenter called it selective sisterhood.
Actress Ingrid Guimarães also celebrated Anitta becoming the new queen of Grande Rio in place of Fonseca, writing thank God.
The drum queen, known in Brazil as the rainha de bateria, is one of the most prominent roles in carnival culture. Walking directly in front of the percussion section during parades at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, the queen serves as a leading symbol of the samba school. Oliveira previously served for years as Grande Rio's drum queen, maintaining strong ties with the community in Duque de Caxias.
Grande Rio drum queen announcement
Anitta was officially announced as the new drum queen of Acadêmicos do Grande Rio on Sunday, with the news shared across social media profiles belonging to the artist and the samba school.
In a post shared by Grande Rio, Anitta explained that the school chose to focus this year on faith, ancestry, returning to one's country, and time, looking to the past with feet in the present and an open chest to the future guiding the path toward rescuing the honour of a culture. She noted that the connection with her current stage of life and career was immediate.
Anitta said she accepted the invitation with great respect, recognising the importance of carnival in the lives of thousands of people and for the history of a fighting community that has made parades a political and revolutionary act for decades. She stated that nothing about her presence could be greater than the school, the parade, the community, and the professionals who work on the spectacle.
Anitta, who replaces Fonseca's reign, said that she will strive to give her best, as in everything she does. However, she added that her routine and schedule as a singer pose major challenges for her reign, because she will not abandon her fans.
