Rio de Janeiro authorities have officially initiated an investigation into the events company Time for Fun, which organized Taylor Swift’s concerts in Brazil. The probe comes in the wake of a heartbreaking incident where 23-year-old fan Ana Clara Benevides Machado passed away just before Swift’s scheduled performance at Estádio Nilton Santos.
The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro’s consumer delegations department is focusing on potential charges related to the “crime of danger to life or health” against the company. Organizers of the event are anticipated to be summoned for testimony, and authorities are taking additional steps to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The day of Machado’s unfortunate demise saw temperatures exceeding 102°F, prompting Swift to cancel the Saturday performance due to the extreme heat in Rio. The concert was rescheduled to prioritize the safety and well-being of fans, performers, and crew members.
While the exact cause of Machado’s passing remains undisclosed, the investigation aims to address reported concerns from fans regarding the venue’s structure and water availability. Time for Fun is yet to respond to inquiries from PEOPLE.
Weiny Machado, Ana Clara’s father, is seeking clarification on whether fans were prohibited from bringing water to the show, especially after videos surfaced showing Swift pausing the concert and requesting water for attendees.
Swift, expressing her grief on her Instagram Story, conveyed deep condolences to Machado’s family and friends. She emphasized the unexpected tragedy during the Brazil tour, noting that it was the last thing anticipated when bringing the tour to the country.
As the investigation unfolds, fans and the public await further details about the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident that has cast a shadow over Taylor Swift’s recent performances in Brazil.
