In an opinion column, Joanna Moura uses the Portuguese word “coitada” to describe Fernanda Bolsonaro, while making clear that she feels neither pity nor compassion for her. Moura says the term means someone placed under pressure or caught in misfortune, rather than someone who has “suffered coitus,” a popular but mistaken explanation of the word’s origin.
Moura writes that the word came to mind after seeing a photograph of Fernanda with her husband, Flávio Bolsonaro, his brother Eduardo and Eduardo’s wife, Heloísa. The column describes it as Fernanda’s first public appearance after leaving Brazil for Miami. Moura also refers to reports about Flávio’s alleged interest in sex workers, framing the reference as an irony in light of the popular association between “coitada” and sexual intercourse.
The writer says she does not know what happens in the couple’s marriage. She draws instead on her own experience in a relationship with a man whose conduct embarrassed her, including infidelity and public disputes. Moura recalls taking responsibility for smoothing over the consequences of his behavior and presenting herself as a loyal partner.
She argues that absorbing the effects of another person’s choices can be a substantial burden. In her account, Fernanda had to stand beside Flávio during the campaign amid reports of infidelity, speak with their daughters about media coverage of their father, and leave the country after what Moura characterizes as Flávio’s refusal to face the law.
Moura says she does not feel sorry for Fernanda, pointing to her financial resources and her decision to support her husband and his political ambitions. Even so, the columnist says the photograph leaves her thinking: “coitada.”
Sources: Folha Ilustrada.