The RTP network has “reviewed and reconsidered” its decision to hire the controversial influencer Gonçalo Sousa, and he will no longer serve as a commentator for the public television channel, the station confirmed to Notícias ao Minuto.
The Information Directorate of RTP did not sign “any contract with the commentator Gonçalo Sousa” and will not do so, labeling some past comments by the young man as “unacceptable.”
“The Information Directorate of RTP reviewed its position after becoming aware of some past comments by Gonçalo Sousa, deemed unacceptable by RTP. As a result, Gonçalo Sousa did not start his duties,” stated an official source. It was further noted that “in its current lineup of commentators, RTP ensures a diversity of opinions that cover all political and social spectrums.”
Gonçalo Sousa was previously presented last week at the unveiling of the new programming lineup for public channels, introduced as one of the commentators on the ‘Estado da Arte’ program alongside Joana Marques Brás and Rodrigo Moita de Deus.
Contrary to what was announced that day, Joana Marques Brás and Rodrigo Moita de Deus will now be joined by Susana Peralta and Henrique Pinto Mesquita.
At the time of the presentation, Gonçalo Sousa declared (on RTP’s microphone): “I think you can expect the best from these artists because we will bring art to television and beyond. Stay tuned because I think it will be worth it.”
Notícias ao Minuto also requested clarification regarding the termination of Raquel Varela’s contract, on which RTP did not comment.
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