Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro on Saturday got hit with a fine for failure to wear a mask in violation of local pandemic restrictions after he led thousands of motorcyclist supporters through the streets of Sao Paulo, The Associated Press reports.
Bolsonaro waved to the crowd from his motorcycle and later from atop a sound truck, where helmeted but largely maskless backers cheered and chanted as he insisted that masks were useless for those already vaccinated.
Sao Paulo's state government press office said a fine -- equivalent to about US$110 -- would be imposed for violation of a rule that has required masks in public places since May 2020.
According to a survey by local authorities, 12,000 motorcycles participated in the pro-Bolsonaro event.
Bolsonaro's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Brazilian President has in the past made several controversial comments regarding COVID-19. Last August, he verbally attacked journalists during a public event, describing reporters as “wimps” and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic.
Last November, Bolsonaro said that he has no intention of being vaccinated against coronavirus and also expressed skepticism over the efficacy of wearing face masks.
In another controversial statement, Bolsonaro suggested that the coronavirus pandemic could be “biological warfare” waged by China.