The Inspectorate-General for Education and Science (IGEC) has opened an “investigation process” into the Contemporary Academy of the Performing Arts (ACE) in Porto following accusations of sexual and moral harassment against actor António Capelo.
The news was confirmed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation. “The Inspectorate-General for Education and Science has decided to open an investigation following a complaint received on September 8,” stated a source from the ministry.
António Capelo was the artistic director and taught at the institution, overseen by the Ministry of Education, until 2022. In recent days, multiple accusations of sexual and moral harassment have emerged against the actor.
These accusations primarily surfaced on social media, with several messages allegedly sent by António Capelo to young people being exposed.
A young man shared messages with Notícias ao Minuto dating back to 2017, when he was in his early twenties. “You can come for lunch at Paço de Arcos, my treat,” Capelo reportedly wrote after approaching him on Facebook.
Considering the invitation inappropriate, the young man did not respond further, yet messages continued.
Actor António Capelo is accused by several young people, including former students, of harassment, with behaviors allegedly occurring over the years. The artist insists the affection shown had no inappropriate intent. The Bloco de Esquerda (BE) confirms receiving a complaint with “very serious acts” carried out by the former mandatary.
Natacha Nunes Costa | 18:57 – 09/09/2025
In addition to testimonials shared on social media, another account was publicly disclosed by the Bloco de Esquerda (BE).
In a statement released on Tuesday, the party informed that it received last week, “from a person elected locally for the Bloco and a former student of actor António Capelo, the firsthand account of very serious acts committed by this theater professor.”
According to BE, this account, describing events allegedly occurring over a decade ago, “is consistent with others recently cited publicly.”
Last Friday, the newspaper Público published a testimony from Mia Filipa, an educator and former ACE student undergoing gender transition, who claims to have been sexually abused by António Capelo at the age of 16.
António Capelo claims to be “a target of anonymous and defamatory accusations”
When confronted with the accusations, António Capelo told Notícias ao Minuto that, through his lawyer, he has filed a “criminal complaint against an anonymous Instagram page,” and is currently “awaiting the unfolding of events.”
The actor conveyed being “a target of anonymous and defamatory accusations” recently, which undermine his “honor, professional, and even private life.”
“I do not engage in anonymous denunciation practices nor public lynchings, which in no way contribute to justice or truth,” he added.
“My conduct has always been guided by professional rigor, respect, and care for students. Gestures of closeness, affection, or support — such as hugs, loaning books, sharing meals, or providing shelter in times of need — have never had any purpose other than educating, supporting, and forming human beings and professionals,” he emphasized.
Accusations led to the resignation of ACE’s management
The management of ACE – School of Arts resigned last Thursday, following the allegations of abuse by the institution’s teachers over the years.
“The Management of ACE – School of Arts announces that, following the recent manifestations and the debate surrounding our institution, it has decided to tender its resignation,” it announced in a statement.
The school management, which offers artistic professional courses from 10th to 12th grade, mentioned the decision was made considering that “the current moment demands serenity, stability, and the protection of the mission and values that ACE – School of Arts represents.”
Read Also: Victim reports alleged abuses by António Capelo: “He insisted a lot”
