CNN Brasil anchor Elisa Veeck referred to former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro as “Bozo” during a live broadcast of the network’s morning programme Live CNN on Tuesday, 15 July. The slip occurred while Veeck analysed the political rise of São Paulo governor Tarcísio de Freitas, noting that his gubernatorial bid had been encouraged, “a pedido do próprio Bozo… de Jair Bolsonaro.” Veeck let out a brief laugh but did not correct the comment before moving on. The remark quickly circulated on social media and online news sites, drawing criticism from Bolsonaro supporters who described the language as disrespectful and evidence of political bias at the channel. Some commentators also highlighted Veeck’s relationship with Central Bank president Gabriel Galípolo, appointed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva this year, as further grounds for questioning her impartiality. CNN Brasil and Veeck had not issued a public statement on the episode by late Wednesday. The incident has renewed debate over journalistic neutrality in Brazil’s highly polarised media environment, where on-air gaffes can gain national traction within minutes.