On Saturday, May 3, Brazilian authorities arrested two alleged plots of explosives held by Rio de Janeiro at Copacabana Beach, the biggest show of her career, with more than 2 million fans at a free concert in Lady Gaga.
The suspect was detained hours before the show, and the incident took place with meaningless incidents, with many questioning the severity or immediacy of the threat. Brazilian police later said they rejected public information about the arrests to prevent panic and misinformation.
A spokesman for Lady Gaga said the singer and her team only realized the so-called plot through media reports the next morning. “
“There were no known security issues before and during the show, and no communication between the police or authorities regarding any potential risks with Lady Gaga,” the statement said.
The group also stressed that they worked closely with law enforcement during the planning and implementation of the concert and were confident in the security protocol.
The performance features Gaga’s hit songs, which include “Born This Way,” which was accepted as LGBTQ+ Anthem and performed under intense safety, with 5,200 military and police deployed on the beach.
According to the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and state police, the plan is allegedly planned by groups that promote hate speech, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Authorities said the organization’s aim was to use homemade explosive devices and Molotov cocktails as a “collective challenge” to make a name for themselves on social media. The group reportedly used violent online content to recruit teenagers under the guise of “little monsters,” a nickname for Lady Gaga fans to attract them to networks related to extremism and self-harm.
One of the arrested men was described as the leader of the group – arrested in southern Rio Grande, possessed with illegal weapons. A teenager was arrested in Rio de Janeiro on charges related to child pornography. Authorities did not elaborate on their specific role in the plot, nor did they elaborate on Lady Gaga’s concert becoming the organization’s target.
As part of the investigation, raids were carried out at the homes of 15 suspects in several Brazilian states. Cell phones and electronic devices were seized, although police have not confirmed any actual explosives to be restored.
Despite the alleged threat, the concert itself was not interrupted. Lady Gaga later thanked the fans on Instagram, saying: “Nothing is ready for my feelings – my absolute pride and joy for the Brazilian people.
Authorities say the two were arrested for allegedly targeting the huge free concert of Lady Gaga on the beach in Papacabana, Brazil. https://t.co/qqzqezy5zs pic.twitter.com/qb6caltuqi
– ABC News Live (@abcnewslive) May 4, 2025
