Shocking moment: Mayoral candidate hits his rival on the head with an iron chair after 'losing his temper' on live TV

This is the shocking moment a Brazilian television presenter and mayoral candidate hits a political rival on the head with an iron chair during a heated election debate.

Pablo Marcal was hospitalized with suspected broken ribs and difficulty breathing following the brutal attack on live television.

The footage showed Jose Luiz Datena approaching his victim and hurling the heavy stool at Marcal's head from close range, but at the last moment he managed to raise an arm and easily parry the blow.

Both men are running for mayor of São Paulo.

Far-right digital influencer and life coach Marcal had angered Datena by mentioning allegations of sexual harassment against the TV presenter, which were rejected by the public prosecutor's office.

Brazilian TV presenter and mayoral candidate Jose Luiz Datena hit his political rival over the head with an iron chair

Marcal was hospitalized after the brutal attack with suspected broken ribs and breathing difficulties

An exchange of insults ensued, ending in a physical attack, after Marcal accused his political rival, who like him had never held political office, of wanting to attack him during an earlier televised debate but refraining from doing so because he was “not man enough.”

The debate organised yesterday evening by the specialist channel TV Cultura was briefly interrupted.

The broadcast continued with the remaining candidates after Marcal was hospitalized and Datena, the presenter of the police and crime program Brasil Urgente, was eliminated.

The attacker was reported to police by a lawyer representing the victim of the attack, although there were no immediate reports of an arrest.

In comments as he left the television studio, Datena admitted that he had lost his composure and attributed his reaction to the stress caused by the death of his mother-in-law from a stroke following allegations of sexual harassment against him.

He said: “I don't choose emotional moments. I'm a real man.”

He claimed he was sure his relative's death was caused by the sex crime allegations, adding: “I felt like everything was coming back to me and I really couldn't help it.”

“Am I wrong? Yes. But what can I do?”

In a statement, TV Cultura said: “TV Cultura regrets the incident that occurred during the debate with the candidates for the City Hall of São Paulo on Sunday, involving the candidates Jose Luiz Datena and Pablo Marcal.”

Last night's debate, organised by the specialist television channel TV Cultura, was temporarily suspended following Datena's violent outburst.

“The broadcaster reiterates that following the aggression, all measures were taken in accordance with the rules previously established in writing between TC Cultura and the campaigns of all the candidates present, including the exclusion of candidate Jose Luiz Datena.”

“The debate continued subject to the advice and consent of the other candidates.”

“During the event, all measures were taken, including with regard to press coverage, to ensure the safety of those present in accordance with the previously agreed rules.”

A statement released overnight by Pablo Marcal's advisers said: “Pablo Marcal was cowardly attacked by Jose Luiz Datena, who hit him in the ribs with an iron chair.”

“Unfortunately, Marcal had to leave the debate in an ambulance to receive emergency medical attention.

“It is regrettable that the debate continued without the presence of the attacked candidate.

“Pablo Marcal is injured, he probably suffers chest fractures and is suffering from breathing difficulties.”

“We hope that the appropriate legal measures will be taken and we count on people’s prayers.”