The Leo Dias Portal removed a report about Jair Bolsonaro's biographical film after banker Daniel Vorcaro complained directly to businessman Thiago Miranda, a partner of the site, according to messages obtained by Intercept Brasil published this Thursday (21). The article, which previewed details of the "Dark Horse" film including cast and filming, was deleted about an hour after Vorcaro's complaint. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O banqueiro Daniel Vorcaro reclamou diretamente com o empresário e sócio do portal Leo Dias, Thiago Miranda, após o site publicar uma reportagem sobre o filme "Dark Horse", que retrata a trajetória do ex-presidente Jair Bolsonaro (PL), segundo mensagens obtidas pelo portal Intercept Brasil divulgadas nesta quinta-feira (21). Cerca de uma hora depois, o texto foi apagado do site."
Vorcaro sent a message to Miranda on August 1, 2025 criticizing the publication: "Hey, how are you? I thought publicizing that they're making the film is very bad, don't you think?", according to conversations revealed by Intercept. Miranda responded agreeing and said he would talk "with Mário" — possibly referring to deputy Mario Frias (PL-SP), executive producer of the film. Shortly after, Miranda confirmed the removal: "I just saw it. I'll ask them to delete it." ✓
Press quotes (1)
""Opa tudo bem? Achei que divulgar que ta fazendo o filme muito ruim, nao acha?", escreveu o banqueiro."
The episode occurs in the context of investigations into Master Bank, which revealed payments from Vorcaro to Bolsonaro's film. The banker allegedly transferred at least US$ 10.6 million (about R$ 61 million) between February and May 2025 for the production, according to information published by the press. Flávio Bolsonaro admitted having visited Vorcaro after the banker's arrest to "put an end" to the financing issue. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O banqueiro teria pago ao menos US$ 10,6 milhões, aproximadamente R$ 61 milhões, entre fevereiro e maio de 2025."
In a statement to Intercept, Portal Leo Dias said it removed the article "after internal doubts about the reporting" and that "we were not 100% convinced of the reporting." Vorcaro's defense was contacted by the outlet but did not respond by the time of publication. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Em nota enviada ao Intercept, o Portal Leo Dias afirmou que retirou a matéria do ar após dúvidas internas sobre a apuração. "Recebemos o material de uma fonte e, como não estávamos 100% convictos da apuração, acabamos por retirar do ar. A decisão passou por Thiago Miranda, então CEO do portal", diz a nota."
Daniel Vorcaro has been imprisoned since March 2024 for fraud related to Master Bank
The Federal Police rejected Vorcaro's plea bargain proposal for considering the information insufficient
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Thiago Miranda intermediated transfers from Daniel Vorcaro to Dark Horse film production and followed negotiations
PGR will continue negotiating Vorcaro's plea bargain even after PF rejection
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What was the exact specific content of the removed article about the Dark Horse film?
Why it's still unknown: Sources only mention it previewed 'film details including cast and filming', but don't reproduce the complete text of the deleted report.
Did not cover: Band Brasil 247 Correio do Povo G1 Gazeta do Povo O Tempo Revista Oeste CNN Brasil Jc Veja -
What is the exact legal nature of the relationship between Thiago Miranda and the Dark Horse film production?
Why it's still unknown: Intercept mentions Miranda 'would have acted behind the scenes' and 'intermediated transfers', but there's no official detail about contracts or formal role in production.
Did not cover: Band Brasil 247 Correio do Povo G1 Gazeta do Povo O Tempo Revista Oeste CNN Brasil Jc Veja -
Are there other documented cases of editorial pressure exercised by Daniel Vorcaro on news outlets?
Why it's still unknown: Reports focus only on the Leo Dias Portal episode, without investigating a broader pattern of interference in journalistic coverage.
Did not cover: Band Brasil 247 Correio do Povo G1 Gazeta do Povo O Tempo Revista Oeste CNN Brasil Jc Veja