Brazilian Authorities Foil Alleged Bomb Plot Targeting Lady Gaga Concert and LGBTQ+ Attendees

Image via Multishow

Brazilian police have arrested three individuals in connection with an alleged bomb plot aimed at Lady Gaga’s free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. According to the Civil Police, the attack was reportedly intended to target members of the LGBTQ+ community attending the show.

Two suspects were detained for allegedly attempting to recruit individuals, including minors, via social media to carry out coordinated attacks using improvised explosives and Molotov cocktails. Authorities say their motive was to gain notoriety online.

The suspects were reportedly members of an extremist online group promoting hate crimes, self-harm, pedophilia, and violent content. The operation was dubbed “Operation Fake Monster,” referencing Gaga’s fanbase, the “Little Monsters,” whom the suspects impersonated to lure potential recruits.

A third suspect, arrested separately, was charged with terrorism offences after allegedly planning a ritualistic killing of a child during the concert. According to police, the man claimed he was retaliating against what he believed to be Gaga’s “satanist” affiliation.

The arrests resulted from a wide-reaching investigation across nine Brazilian states, supported in part by intelligence from the U.S. Consulate. Authorities executed 15 search and seizure warrants and seized illegal weapons and digital evidence.

Despite the alleged threat, the concert went forward without incident. Lady Gaga’s team stated they had no prior knowledge of any danger and that security measures were firmly in place. Over 2 million fans attended the performance—her first in Brazil since 2012.

Gaga, a long-standing advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, expressed her gratitude in an Instagram post following the show: “Your heart shines so bright... I hope you know how grateful I am to have shared this historical moment with you.”

Specialised Police Chief Andre Neves assured the public that intelligence operations are ongoing to combat hate-based threats. “Whether they involve hate crimes, religiously motivated crimes, or attacks – all will respond for their crimes,” he said.