São Paulo's governor, Tarcísio de Freitas, has apologised after joking about a methanol poisoning crisis that has killed at least three people in his state. The teetotal governor made the comment during a press conference, saying he would only worry 'when they start faking Coca-Cola'.
The victims include a 30-year-old mother who died after drinking a vodka and fruit juice cocktail at a party. Brazil's health minister, Alexandre Padilha, has urged citizens to avoid white spirits such as vodka and gin until the source of the tainted drinks is found.
Freitas, a close ally of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, made the remark while discussing concerns from spirits manufacturers about counterfeiting. 'Alcohol isn't my cup of tea,' he said, adding with an awkward smile: 'The day they start faking Coca-Cola is the day I'll worry.'
The remark went viral and drew comparisons to Bolsonaro's callous response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which killed over 700,000 Brazilians. Freitas, who hopes to inherit Bolsonaro's political movement, voiced regret on Tuesday, admitting he 'cracked a joke' to lighten the mood but claimed his words had been 'really misinterpreted'.
'I ask for forgiveness, from the families who are suffering after losing loved-ones [and] from business owners whose businesses are suffering,' said Freitas, who is expected to challenge President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in next year's election.
