Samba Queen, 7, Sparks Uproar

Critics say child shouldn't be used for sex symbol's role
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 9, 2010 1:45 AM CST

A 7-year-old who is hoping to win a competition as Rio's sexy samba queen at this year's Carnival in Brazil is stirring up controversy.
(AssociatedPress)
(1 of 2)

Rio de Janiero's famous carnival has been hit by controversy over plans to give a role usually reserved for a sex symbol to a 7-year-old girl. Julia Lira has been chosen to head the drum corps from the samba school her father owns, but the move has drawn protests from children's rights groups, and a judge may block her from being a samba queen, the Guardian reports.

"We are not against kids participating in carnival; it's part of Brazilian culture," said the head of the state children's protection council. "What we can't allow is putting a 7-year-old girl in a role that traditionally has a very sexual focus." Julia's parents reject accusations that their child's appearance in the parade will be inappropriate and stress that she won't be wearing a provocative costume.
(More Rio de Janeiro stories.)

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