RIO DE JANEIRO — Stage construction for Shakira’s highly anticipated weekend performance on Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana Beach got back underway Monday, one day after work stopped following the tragic death of a construction worker at the site.
The Colombian superstar has remained silent regarding the workplace fatality that claimed the life of a crew member.
Police reports indicate that Gabriel de Jesus Firmino, age 28 and working as a locksmith, lost his life Sunday when two stage lift mechanisms crushed him after another employee accidentally triggered the machinery. Detective Ângelo Lages informed reporters that authorities are examining the Brazilian staging company for potential violations of worker safety protocols.
The Grammy-winning artist, who has been touring internationally for the first time since 2018 in what has become a record-breaking world tour, plans to perform without charge this Saturday evening at the renowned beach venue. The location previously hosted Lady Gaga’s free performance last year, which drew an estimated 2 million spectators in what became the pop star’s largest audience ever.
Beachgoers interviewed at the scene expressed sympathy for the deceased worker’s family while supporting the decision to continue with the planned show.
“It is a sad thing that this happened,” said Anita Costa, a 41-year-old singer, as she strolled near the stage on Monday morning. “But the concert should go on.”
Event promoters released a statement Monday offering their condolences and expressing solidarity with the construction company, its employees, and the family affected by what they called a tragic workplace incident.
