Brazilian influencer's 'eye-pulling' gesture at World Cup sparks racism row; professor calls for apology

A Brazilian influencer has sparked controversy after making a racist gesture following Brazil's victory over Japan at the 2026 North America World Cup.

Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, said Sunday that he had received tips from numerous internet users and confirmed the incident had also been covered by Chinese sports outlet Hupu.com.

The influencer, known online as "brenndamaral," posted a video to her social media story alongside acquaintances, performing the "eye-pulling" gesture used to mock Asians — after Brazil's round-of-32 match against Japan at the 2026 North America World Cup.

"Pulling one's eyes with fingers has long been identified as a representative act of racial discrimination used to demean Asians," Seo said.

After the backlash, the influencer reportedly changed her account name and set the account to private.

The incident follows an earlier case on June 12, when a South Korean YouTuber was subjected to a racist act by a Mexican soccer fan at the venue for South Korea's opening World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic.

After widespread international media coverage identified the perpetrator, the individual quickly posted an apology on social media.

"This Brazilian influencer must also issue a public apology," Seo said, adding that soccer fans around the world need to be vigilant so that such incidents are never repeated.