Former Sao Paulo president Julio Casares sues Meta over lost Instagram followers

Former Sao Paulo president Julio Casares has launched a legal battle against Meta, demanding 10 million BRL (approximately £1.5 million) in damages. He claims his Instagram account was unfairly deactivated for five months due to coordinated false reports, which he argues damaged his digital presence and public authority.

Casares asserts that his following dropped from 600,000 to 553,000 as a result of the suspension. His legal team describes the blackout as a deliberate attempt to cut off his communication with fans during a sensitive political period, arguing that Meta's customer service failed to address the issue effectively.

Beyond his dispute with the tech giant, Casares is also taking legal action against Sao Paulo to overturn his membership expulsion and clear his name regarding allegations of reckless management. The club's Deliberative Council ordered his removal on September 10, but Casares maintains his administration acted in good faith and was supported by qualified specialists.

In his petition, Casares points to the trophy-laden tenure of his administration, including the 2023 Copa do Brasil, as evidence of successful leadership. The court has granted the club 15 days to submit a formal defense. Meanwhile, the first team continues its Campeonato Brasileiro campaign with an upcoming match against Vasco da Gama.