Brazilian authorities successfully thwarted a planned bomb attack aimed at attendees of Lady Gaga’s free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, where more than 2.1 million fans gathered on Saturday.
The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro, working alongside the Justice Ministry, uncovered the plot orchestrated by a radical extremist group known for disseminating hate speech, inciting teenage radicalization, and promoting self-harm and violence through online platforms. According to police, the group recruited underage participants to carry out the attack using small explosive devices and Molotov cocktails.
Felipe CurI, Secretary of Civil Police speaks during a press conference, as Brazil police foil bomb plot targeting packed Lady Gaga concert, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil May 4, 2025. REUTERS/Sergio Queiroz
Operating under the guise of being part of Lady Gaga’s fan base—known as the “Little Monsters”—the group used online platforms to attract and radicalize minors. Authorities launched an investigation after receiving a tip-off from Rio state police intelligence, with crucial support from the Justice Ministry’s Cyber Operations Lab. Investigators discovered online cells employing coded language and extremist symbols to encourage violence, particularly against LGBTQ individuals.
At a press conference on Sunday, Rio police secretary Felipe Cury confirmed that the group explicitly targeted Gaga’s LGBTQ fan base. “They were clearly saying that they were planning an attack at Lady Gaga’s concert motivated by sexual orientation,” Cury stated.
Displays show Lady Gaga performing at an open concert in Copacabana beach as seen from Leme fort, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil May 3, 2025. REUTERS/Aline Massuca
A man believed to be the group’s leader was arrested in Rio Grande do Sul for illegal possession of weapons, while a teenager in Rio de Janeiro was detained on child pornography charges. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific roles each suspect played in the plot. Law enforcement carried out over a dozen search and seizure operations across four states: Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso, Rio Grande do Sul, and São Paulo.
To avoid inciting public panic, the operation was kept secret—including from Lady Gaga and her team—until the concert had safely concluded.
In a heartfelt Instagram post following the performance, Lady Gaga reflected on the event: “Nothing could prepare me for the feeling I had during last night’s show — the absolute pride and joy I felt singing for the people of Brazil. The sight of the crowd during my opening songs took my breath away. Your heart shines so bright, your culture is so vibrant and special, I hope you know how grateful I am to have shared this historical moment with you.”
