Brazilian fitness influencer Júlio Otávio Miranda da Silva, who weighs 460 pounds, reported a São Paulo gym to police after being denied membership following a trial class, with staff citing safety concerns while he claims discrimination.
Brazilian fitness influencer Júlio Otávio Miranda da Silva, 35, filed a police report after Academia Horizon gym in São Paulo allegedly refused his membership application, citing him as a “health and safety risk” following a trial swimming class. Police registered the incident as “non-criminal” but noted the gym’s actions could “constitute an abusive practice under consumer law… which prohibits discriminatory treatment, unjustified refusal of service, and practices that place the consumer at an excessive disadvantage.”
The gym defended its decision in a statement, explaining “it became clear there were difficulties that could compromise safety” and emphasizing “this decision was not based on prejudice, but on responsibility, caution, and concern for the visitor’s health and well-being.” Silva, who has lost over 220 pounds and documents his weight loss journey for 1.8 million Instagram followers, disputed the safety concerns, stating the only challenge was exiting the pool and “I made it clear to them that it wasn’t a problem.”