President and candidate for re-election Jair Bolsonaro (PL) released a video on Tuesday (18) apologizing for his statement linking Venezuelan teenagers to prostitution.

Jair Bolsonaro apologizes for linking Venezuelan children to prostitution – Photo: Disclosure/ND

According to R7, he claimed at the time that his words were taken out of context and that teenagers are actually hardworking. The chief executive appears along with First Lady Michele Bolsonaro and the representative of the self-proclaimed President of Venezuela Juan Guaido Maria Teresa Belandria.

Watch:

Jair Bolsonaro apologizes for linking Venezuelan children to prostitution – Video: Disclosure/ND

“If my words, which were taken out of context in bad faith, were somehow misunderstood or caused any embarrassment to our Venezuelan sisters, I apologize as I have always strived to better welcome and serve all who flee from dictatorships across around the world,” Bolsonaro said.

Last week, the candidate for re-election said during an interview that he visited the community of San Sebastian in the Federal District and met with teenagers from Venezuela. Then, Bolsonaro recalls, he “painted the mood” with the girls and entered the house where they were staying.

“We are outraged by the latest actions of some left-wing militants who are now shamelessly pressuring Venezuelan women to gain a political advantage. Even after the decision of the TSE as a result of the spread of lies about me, these rascals are now directing their attacks against these women,” the president said.

“The words I have said reflect my concern to avoid any kind of exploitation of vulnerable women.”

The candidate for re-election claims that at the time when Damares Alves headed the Ministry of Women, Family and Human Rights, it was established that Venezuelan women were working.

Michele goes on to say that Brazil has over 375,000 Venezuelans and that Operação Acolhida, designed for refugees and migrants, is the best program in Latin America.

“As a Christian country, we should welcome others. Our people care and accept everyone. We especially thank our dear “ambassador” of Venezuela, Maria Teresa Belandria, for her excellent work,” the first lady said.

Michel and Damares visiting the Venezuelans

In addition, Michele Bolsonaro and Senator Damares Alves (RE-DF) met last Monday (17th) with two community leaders who serve Venezuelan refugees in San Sebastian (DF).

“We had this meeting. It was a date full of hugs. I have been to the San Sebastian community several times, so I already have a connection with this place. The connection of hugs and tenderness. They work, and this episode changed their daily routine. Many are looking for them. Everyone suffers from this. There are two casualties, but now it’s over,” Damares told R7.

The meeting between the first lady, the senator and public figures lasted from one hour to one hour and 30 minutes. “The goal is to welcome them, to accept them,” he said. “There is nothing better than the President’s wife to hug them,” Damares said. “And then we’ll talk about recipes and food.” She did not say where the meeting took place.

*According to R7