Rico Melquiades backtracks, says he is not moving to Portugal: “I want to vote”

Rico Melquiades walked back his claim hours after posting a video saying he would move to Portugal and become Luana Piovani's neighbor, amid an ongoing online spat with the actress. The announcement had gained traction during the betting-ban controversy, since Rico is among the influencers who criticized the prohibition.

In a new video, the A Fazenda 13 winner said it was all irony and that he would never leave Brazil, especially not before the elections, because he wants to vote. He also denied being in financial trouble, saying he is stable thanks to investments from his reality show prize and ad deals.

The back-and-forth with Luana Piovani continues online. The Portugal-based actress is a frequent critic of influencers who promote betting.