São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes (MDB) faces scrutiny after public records from his own administration contradicted his claim that he had met with entrepreneur Karina Ferreira da Gama only once. While the mayor stated on Monday, June 1, that he had only encountered the producer of the film “Dark Horse” at a single gospel event, official records confirm at least two meetings in his office.
Did You Know? The official agenda from the City of São Paulo documents a meeting between Mayor Ricardo Nunes and Karina Ferreira da Gama on October 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. This session included various city officials, such as the secretaries of Civil House, Culture and Creative Economy, and Tourism, as well as the president of SPTuris.
Documented Meetings and Public Contracts
Records indicate the first meeting between Mayor Nunes and Ferreira da Gama occurred in his office on February 22, 2023. Following this initial contact, the city signed a contract with her for the RIEFA congress, titled “Rumos da inovação na Educação do Futuro Agora.”
A second meeting took place on October 15, 2025. Despite the mayor’s claim of not remembering the encounter, it was officially recorded by a photographer hired by the city, Gildson Di Souza. During the same year, the municipal government, through the Secretariat of Tourism and SPTuris, allocated R$ 3.6 million in public funds to Ferreira da Gama for a gospel event.
Financial Allocations for Gospel Events
The allocation of public funds to events produced by Ferreira da Gama has drawn attention due to the specific individuals hired as speakers. Records show she received R$ 2.5 million from the city to host a three-day literary gospel event.
From this budget, R$ 50,000 was paid to Elizete Malafaia, wife of pastor Silas Malafaia, for a one-hour lecture on “Empowerment of Women and Family.” Additionally, pastor Ana Paula Valadão received R$ 50,000 for a one-hour talk on “personal development.” Valadão is the sister of André Valadão, who is associated with the Lagoinha Church in Belo Horizonte and is described as the spiritual mentor of Daniel Vorcaro, the former owner of the now-defunct Banco Master.
Expert Insight: The discrepancy between the mayor’s public statements and the municipal government’s own records raises questions regarding transparency in the management of public funds. When city officials and high-level secretaries are present at events that the executive leadership claims not to recall, it creates a significant gap in accountability that typically invites further scrutiny from oversight bodies.
What Happens Next
Given that these findings are based on official city documentation, it is possible that municipal oversight committees or legislative bodies will request a formal review of the contracts signed with the producer. Analysts might expect increased pressure on the administration to clarify the criteria used for selecting speakers and the justification for the R$ 3.6 million and R$ 2.5 million expenditures. The mayor may also face ongoing questions regarding the consistency of his public statements versus the internal records of his office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times did Mayor Ricardo Nunes meet with Karina Ferreira da Gama according to city records?
Official records from the City of São Paulo confirm at least two meetings: one on February 22, 2023, and another on October 15, 2025.
What were the public funds used for in the contracts mentioned?
The funds were used for events including the RIEFA congress, a three-day gospel literary event, and other gospel-themed productions organized by Ferreira da Gama.
Which individuals received payment for lectures at the gospel literary event?
The city’s contract allowed for the payment of R$ 50,000 to Elizete Malafaia and R$ 50,000 to Ana Paula Valadão for one-hour lectures.
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