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Leda Nagle faces criticism after defending Zema's comments on child labor

2 sources · 05 May 2026 · Share coverage ·

Journalist Leda Nagle was criticized on social media after supporting a statement by former governor Romeu Zema about child labor. Nagle reported that she worked at the family store at ages 9 and 10 and said 'no drama' to defend Zema's position.

In Brazil, current legislation prohibits work before age 16, except for apprentices starting at age 14. The controversy arose after Zema stated that in Brazil 'the idea was created that work harms children' and cited the United States as an example, where 'children go out delivering newspapers'.

1. What we know (2)

Zema made statements about allowing children to work in Brazil and later softened his comments

2 sources DCM IstoÉ

In Brazil, work is prohibited before age 16, except for apprentices starting at 14

2 sources DCM IstoÉ
2. Where coverage thins out (1)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (1)

Specific details of Nagle's work at the family store during childhood

Reported by: DCM
Did not cover: IstoÉ
3. What we don't know yet

No gaps declared — all sources converge on the material facts.

All sources

2