What was supposed to be a historic celebration of music and love nearly became a tragedy. On Saturday (3rd), Lady Gaga‘s free concert in Copacabana, which drew an estimated 2.1 million fans, was the target of a foiled terrorist attack. The Brazilian police’s “Fake Monster” operation dismantled a radical anti-LGBTQIA+ plot before the concert took place.
“Fake Monster” Operation Prevented a Massacre
The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, carried out a preventive operation after identifying plans circulating in deep web forums. The attackers, fueled by homophobic hatred, intended to use Molotov cocktails and improvised explosives to attack the concert crowd.
Two suspects were arrested: one in Rio Grande do Sul, and a minor in Rio de Janeiro. Both were found to have disturbing content on their devices, including child pornography and incitement to self-harm and hate crimes.
“The motivation was to gain online notoriety by attacking LGBTQIA+ fans of Lady Gaga. It was a hate-driven and cowardly plan,” said Felipe Cury, the Rio state police chief.
LGBTQIA+ Fans Were the Main Targets
Masquerading as “Little Monsters”, the extremists infiltrated fan groups online, aiming to blend in and recruit sympathizers. Their main targets were LGBTQIA+ concertgoers, who have long seen Gaga as a symbol of empowerment and acceptance.
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The concert’s huge crowd, mixed with celebratory energy and colorful pride flags, made it an easy and symbolic target for the group’s hateful ideology.
Separate Bomb Threat Intensified Tensions
Just days before the event, another bomb scare surfaced. A man previously deported from the U.S. for extremist behavior and known for his ties to far-right political groups in Brazil made threats online. While no explosives were found in his home, he remains under investigation.
Lady Gaga’s Copacabana Show Was a Safe, Record-Breaking Event
Despite the threats, the Copacabana concert went ahead safely, supported by over 5,000 security agents and cutting-edge facial recognition technology. Gaga opened the show with “Bloody Mary” and delivered a dazzling set including “Poker Face”, “Alejandro”, and “Shallow”.
On social media, Lady Gaga posted:
“Nothing could have prepared me for the emotion of singing for the Brazilian people. Your culture is vibrant and brilliant, and I am grateful to have shared this historic moment with you.”
📺 Watch the full performance here!
Police Remain on Alert Against Hate Crimes
According to chief investigator André Neves, the operation continues. “These online extremist groups act covertly, but we are monitoring them closely. Hate crimes and threats against the LGBTQIA+ community will not go unpunished.”
The Fake Monster Operation is ongoing, with new developments expected in the coming weeks.