Shocking moment mayoral candidate smashes his rival over the head with an iron chair after ‘losing it’ on live TV

This is the shocking moment a Brazilian TV host and mayoral candidate hits a political rival over the head with an iron chair during a heated election debate.

Pablo Marcal was hospitalised with suspected broken ribs and breathing problems after the brutal attack which was broadcast live on television.

Footage shows Jose Luiz Datena walking towards his victim and throwing the heavy crutch at Marcal’s head from close range. At the last moment, however, he manages to lift an arm and somewhat deflect the blow.

Both men are running for mayor of Sao Paulo.

Far-right digital influencer and life coach Marcal had angered Datena by referring to allegations of sexual harassment against the TV presenter, which were dismissed by prosecutors.

Brazilian TV host and mayoral candidate Jose Luiz Datena threw the iron chair over his political rival’s head

Marcal was hospitalized with suspected broken ribs and breathing problems after the brutal attack

It led to an exchange of insults that ended in a physical attack after Marcal accused his political rival, who like him has never held political office, of wanting to attack him during an earlier TV debate but refraining from doing so because he was “not manly enough”.

Last night’s debate, organised by the specialist TV channel TV Cultura, was briefly interrupted.

The process was restarted with the remaining candidates after Marcal was taken to hospital and Datena, the presenter of the police and crime program Brasil Urgente, was sent away.

The aggressor has been reported to the police by a lawyer acting on behalf of the victim, but there have been no immediate reports of anyone being arrested.

Datena admitted he “went crazy” in comments he made as he left the TV studio, citing his reaction as a result of the stress caused by the death of his mother-in-law from a stroke, following allegations of sexual harassment.

He said, ‘I don’t choose emotional moments. I’m a real man.’

He claimed he was certain his relative’s death was a result of the sex offence allegations, adding: ‘I felt it all coming back and I really couldn’t help it.

‘Am I wrong? Yes. But what can I do?’

TV Cultura said in a statement: ‘TV Cultura regrets the incident that occurred during the debate with the candidates for the City Hall of Sa Paulo on Sunday, which involved the candidates Jose Luiz Datena and Pablo Marcal.

Last night’s debate, organised by the specialist TV channel TV Cultura, was briefly suspended following Datena’s violent outburst

‘The broadcaster reiterates that, following the aggression, all measures have been taken in accordance with the rules previously established in writing between TC Cultura and the campaigns of all the candidates present, including the exclusion of candidate Jose Luiz Datena.

‘The debate will continue subject to consultation and agreement of the other candidates.

‘During the event, all measures, including those relating to press coverage, were taken to ensure the safety of those present, in accordance with the previously agreed rules.’

In a statement released last night by advisers to Pablo Marcal, it said: ‘Pablo Marcal was cowardly attacked by Jose Luiz Datena, who hit him in the ribs with an iron chair.

Unfortunately, Marcal had to leave the debate in an ambulance to receive emergency medical care.

‘It is unfortunate that the debate continued without the presence of the candidate who was attacked.

‘Pablo Marcal is injured, probably with a fracture in his chest and breathing problems.

“We hope that appropriate legal measures will be taken and we count on the prayers of the people.”