Erika Hilton Faces Investigation Over Hiring Makeup Artists Ronaldo Hass and Indy Montiel as Advisors with Salaries up to R$9,678

Federal deputy Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP) has come under scrutiny for employing two makeup artists, Ronaldo Hass and Indy Montiel, as parliamentary advisors in her Chamber of Deputies office, with salaries reportedly reaching up to R$9,678 per month. The appointments, which began in May 2024, have prompted accusations from opposition politicians of misuse of public funds and calls for investigations by the Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF), the Ethics Council, and the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU). Hilton has defended the hires, stating that while she initially met the individuals as makeup artists, she identified other talents in them relevant to her legislative work, and that their roles extend beyond makeup services. Despite her defense, former staffers have alleged that the makeup artists primarily accompanied Hilton for personal makeup purposes rather than fulfilling substantive parliamentary duties.

The controversy has led to a formal request for investigation into possible administrative misconduct. Additionally, Hilton disclosed that she was reimbursed R$24,700 by the Chamber for a health-related nose surgery, asserting that the cosmetic portion of the procedure was paid out of her own pocket. Reports also highlight that Hilton's total expenses in 2025, including security and vehicle rentals, have amounted to nearly R$1 million in public funds. The case has sparked broader debate about the use of public resources in the Brazilian Congress and raised questions about the standards for hiring parliamentary staff.