Last December 30 marked the first anniversary of allegations surrounding Daniel Alves regarding an incident in the bathrooms of Sutton nightclub in Barcelona. On that same day, Alves’s mother, Lucia Alves, released a video on social media showing the alleged victim dancing, celebrating her birthday with friends, and speaking with a cousin in an older recording.
The footage surfaced on a Brazilian website alongside Lucia Alves’s social profile and subsequently appeared in Brazilian media. Alves’s camp notes that the clips had been in their possession since last August but were not presented to the court. They argue the material has been edited with Portuguese music and commentary that asserts the actor’s innocence.
The video footage was obtained from the victim’s social networks and those around her. Critics say the material scrutinizes the woman’s leisure activities and attempts to cast doubt on her character, a tactic described by Alves’s family as an attempt to influence public opinion ahead of the ongoing trial at the Barcelona Court. It has also been observed that some of the images originate from years ago, at a time when the victim was a minor. El País and other outlets reported that El Periódico de Catalunya, part of Prensa Ibérica Group, had access to these images, but, in compliance with the court order and out of respect for the victim, did not publish them.
What is evident is that disseminating these images contravenes the directive issued by the 15th Instructional Court of Barcelona, which prohibited releasing any information that could reveal the identity of the complainant. The circulating videos violate this judicial instruction and complicate the victim’s privacy and safety in the eyes of the public.
Alves has remained in pre-trial detention since January 20, facing charges of sexual assault against a young woman, who was 23 at the time. The incident reportedly occurred in the VIP bathroom area of Sutton nightclub in Barcelona. The accuser described that, in addition to sexual assault, she was struck. Alves’s account has shifted on multiple occasions during proceedings, with initial statements denying recognition of the accuser and later assertions suggesting a consensual encounter. The evolving narrative is part of a broader defensive strategy as the case proceeds.
Observers note that the most recent version presented by Alves aligns with his legal team’s strategy and may not be the final iteration before the trial. The Barcelona Courthouse is expected to host the trial at the start of February, with witnesses including the victim and her mother scheduled to provide testimony as part of the proceedings.
Meanwhile, the victim’s mother has stated she stands by her son’s innocence in public comments, despite concerns about privacy violations. In a released clip, she urges faith and resilience, signaling an unwavering belief in her son’s position despite mounting public scrutiny.