Nelson Piquet’s $990,000 fine for racial and homophobic remarks on Lewis Hamilton overturned by Brazil’s Court

Piquet used the term 'neguinho' which roughly translates as 'little black man' in Portuguese.

Nelson Piquet’s $990,000 fine for racial and homophobic remarks on Lewis Hamilton overturned by Brazil’s Court

Nelson Piquet [L], Lewis Hamilton [R] (images via IMAGO)

Nelson Piquet made headlines a few months ago for making racial and homophobic comments on Lewis Hamilton. The former world champion faced legal action for such unwarranted remarks and was handed a massive five million Brazilian Reals fine. However, six months later, Piquet gets relief as the decision has been overturned.

The 71-year-old had used the term, ‘neguinho’ which roughly translates as ‘little black man’ in Portuguese. Moreover, Nelson Piquet‘s fine included the penalty for using homophobic language towards Lewis Hamilton. However, the Brazilian’s legal team appealed the decision which was initially denied. Although, the appeal has now been accepted by the Court of Justice of the Federal District and Territories. Specifically, the one presiding over Brasilia.

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As reported by Metropoles, the court accepted the case put forth by Piquet’s lawyers. The court deemed the comments towards the seven-time world champion as mockery rather than hate speech. The use of ‘neguinho’ was defended by Piquet and his team by claiming that it was used without any racial subtext as it is used in casual conversations. This explanation was accepted by the court despite being “riddled with subtle or involuntary racist inspiration.”

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Also Read: Lewis Hamilton says F1 needs a change from ‘white male’ team owners

Nelson Piquet is free of any penalty against charges for hate speech towards Lewis Hamilton

Moreover, for the charges against homophobic comments towards Lewis Hamilton. A reference to the term “giving ass” was disputed by the court as the court believed that it could be used for heterosexual relationships as well. As such, Nelson Piquet will not have to pay almost a million dollars in fines for his remarks on the Mercedes driver.

Nelson Piquet
Nelson Piquet (image via Motorsport.com)

A lawyer who was part of the original team that advocated for legal action against Nelson Piquet was disappointed with this ruling. However, they were not surprised as they reckoned it was just rooted in “19th century Brazil” principles. The lawyer made it clear that this ruling will be challenged in the Supreme Federal Court which is the highest judicial body in the country.

Certainly, Nelson Piquet would be satisfied with the decision made by the court. However, this signals rooted racism and homophobia in Brazil as a whole. The whole F1 paddock had lashed out at the Brazilian driver over his remarks and subsequent action was deemed necessary. As such, fans would be hoping that this ruling is appealed in the coming weeks. However it remains to be seen if Lewis Hamilton comments on this decision.

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