The Brazilian government has asked Human Rights Minister Silvio Almeida to "give explanations" to investigators regarding reports that he was involved in sexually harassing women.
"The federal government recognizes the seriousness of the accusations and acts with the rigor and speed that situations of possible violence against women deserve," the Brazilian president's office said in a statement.
The media reported that the "Mi tu Brazil" (MeToo Brasil) movement, an organization that defends women victims of sexual violence, received complaints against Almeida for sexually harassing women.
Almeida said he "rejects the lies" and condemned the "campaign to tarnish his image as a black man in a prominent government position."
He added that any such report and false accusations are a criminal offense.
Media say President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva will meet today with Almeida and Racial Equality Minister Aniel Franco, who is one of the victims who reported Almeida's behavior.
The president's wife Rosangela, a prominent fighter for the defense of women's rights, posted a picture on Instagram on Thursday in which she kisses Minister Franco on the forehead as a sign of support.
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