Latest news with #CNNBrazil


Perth Now
16-07-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Tragedy strikes as influencer dies during cosmetic surgery
A prominent social media influencer and business entrepreneur has died on the operating table during a routine cosmetic surgery procedure. Natália Cavanellas, who boasted a personal following of over 100,000 on her personal business account and a further 30,000 followers on Instagram, is reported to have entered a São Paulo hospital for the operation and developed a sudden issue that resulted in her death. CNN Brasil said the 40-year-old mother had died on the operating table on Monday July 7 after going into cardiorespiratory arrest during the procedure, and that the case has been registered for investigation as a 'sudden death'. The Forensic Medical Institute's investigation into the cause of Ms Cavanellas's death is ongoing. Cavanellas has been described as a wife, mother and 'entrepreneur and leader of a community of over 800 female business owners and executives'. She leaves behind her daughter Manoella, and husband, Rafael Thomazella who has released a statement on her sudden passing. 'We all know what a great woman Natalia was,' Mr Thomazella said via Instagram. 'A beautiful, independent, super professional, happy woman, among so many other qualities. 'Sadly, Natalia left us yesterday, but forever she will be in our memories and our hearts.' Speaking of his daughter and the legacy provided by her mother, Mr Thomazella was glowing about his late wife. 'I will always tell Manoella how her mother was an amazing woman, the kind of person that everyone loves, admires, and will always keep her alive in our memories.' The surgeon performing the operation, Dr Edgar Lopez, has claimed that Cavanellas 'underwent an elective surgical procedure, performed in a suitable hospital setting, with all preoperative examinations completed in accordance with safety protocols and medical monitoring.' A statement from the doctor provided to CNN Brazil and published People added that the circumstances were tragic but 'unfortunately, the patient developed a serious complication, compatible with pulmonary embolism, a rare event, but recognised in the medical literature as possible, even with all the preventive measures adopted.' His defence noted his 'over 20 years of experience' and 'specialised training,' as well as his history of 'always acting with ethics, responsibility, and dedication.'


New York Post
15-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
My breasts grew so big in a year I need a 10-hour, 22-pound reduction — it's due to a super rare condition
Talk about a heavy lift. A 22-year-old Brazilian woman has a new lease on life after surgeons removed 22 pounds of excess tissue from her breasts in a grueling 10-hour operation. Thaynara Marcondes' chest had ballooned to an extreme size in just a few months, triggered by a rare and debilitating condition recorded in only a handful of cases worldwide. Advertisement 4 Thaynara Marcondes underwent breast reduction surgery last October. Instagram / @thay_marcondes01 Marcondes, a teaching student, documented her journey on social media. She'd always worn medium-sized shirts — until her breasts started growing at an astonishing rate of 750 grams (1.65 pounds) per month. She quickly outgrew her wardrobe and eventually had to turn to custom-made clothes when even plus-size options couldn't fit her chest. 'I couldn't even wear a bra anymore,' Marcondes told local outlet G1. 'One day, I tried on eight shirts and none of them fit. I ended up freaking out.' Advertisement Her aunt was the first to raise concern, but Marcondes brushed it off — until strangers began to take notice. 'I started going out on the street and people were staring and pointing,' she told CNN Brazil. 'Once I went to the supermarket and people even started to think I was stealing products and hiding them in my breasts. Then I got worried.' The growth soon took a toll on nearly every part of her life. In social media posts, Marcondes said her oversized chest made everyday tasks nearly impossible and left her with intense back, neck and shoulder pain. Advertisement 4 Gigantomastia can lead to chronic pain and posture issues. Instagram / @thay_marcondes01 'It really bothers me. It's hard to cut my toenails, put on my sneakers,' she said in a social media post. 'I can't run, and I stopped going to the gym because of my back.' At times, the pain was so severe she needed a wheelchair to get around. Advertisement Doctors initially feared cancer, but Marcondes was ultimately diagnosed with gigantomastia, a rare condition where the breasts grow excessively and uncontrollably, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Only about 300 cases have been documented around the globe. The condition can strike randomly, but may also be linked to puberty, pregnancy, medications, obesity, autoimmune disorders and even hormonal imbalances. 4 Finding well-fitting and comfortable clothing was challenging for the young woman. Instagram / @thay_marcondes01 While some cases progress slowly over years, others — like Marcondes' — can escalate in a matter of weeks, with some women jumping several cup sizes in just a few days, Healthline reported. Along with pain and poor posture, symptoms may include numbness in the nipples, infections or lesions under the breasts, and psychological struggles like anxiety, depression and body image issues. In some cases, medication can slow the growth, but many patients require surgery. In severe or recurring cases, doctors may recommend a full mastectomy. Advertisement At their biggest, Marcondes' breasts weighed about 26 pounds. Though there's no direct conversion between breast weight and bra size — the weight can be carried differently from person to person, and breast shape varies — one Virginia plastic surgeon estimates the following: C cup: 1.1 pounds each D cup: 1.7 pounds each DD-E cup: 2.2 pounds each DDD-F cup: 2.6 pounds each 4 Marcondes crowdfunded to afford her breast reduction surgery. Instagram / @thay_marcondes01 Marcondes underwent breast reduction surgery on October 25, 2024, and was discharged the next day. Advertisement She raised $7,200 in donations to afford the procedure — and says it was worth every penny. 'I look in the mirror all the time and think, 'Wow, I look so beautiful!'' she told CNN Brazil. 'Sometimes I even cry looking at myself because I still can't believe I did it.' But the operation came with sacrifices: Marcondes lost all sensation in her nipples and will be unable to breastfeed. While Marcondes says she finally feels free, doctors have warned her that the tissue could grow back in the future. She will continue to be monitored moving forward.


Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Influencer stabbed to death in shopping centre by 'cleaner who felt rejected'
Tais Bruna de Castro, 36, was having lunch at a mall in São Paulo, Brazil, when she was allegedly ambushed by a janitor who had developed feelings for her A Brazilian book influencer and travel agent has been tragically killed in a horrific stabbing incident. Tais Bruna de Castro, 36, was having lunch on Monday, June 2, at the Beco Fino shopping centre in the Jundiaí neighbourhood of São Paulo when she was was stabbed to death. Without warning, the knifeman launched a frenzied knife attack, stabbing Bruna more than 20 times in front of shocked bystanders. Claudio Elizeu, a 40-year-old cleaner at the same complex, was arrested at the scene, CNN Brazil reports. According to local police, Elizeu, who was employed as a janitor at the mall, told investigators that he killed Tais because she had no interest in pursuing a relationship with him. Authorities say there is no evidence that the two shared a close personal relationship. READ MORE: Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner's chilling message to other paedophile uncovered After the stabbing, Elizeu allegedly broke into an office inside the shopping centre, where he smashed windows and furniture before police arrested him, the Daily Mail reports. Bruna was declared dead at the scene. The case is being investigated under the country's femicide protocol, with her senseless killing being just another example of the high levels of gender-based violence in Latin America. Bruna was well known among literary circles online. She ran a blog titled Reader Fashion , where she shared book recommendations, literary commentary, and engaged with a growing community of followers. She also worked as a travel agent in the same shopping centre where the attack took place. Following her death, Bruna's family posted a heartfelt message on her Instagram account, which had over 8,000 followers, thanking her audience for their support and honouring her passion for literature. "This week, our dear Tais Bruna, the owner of this profile, left us in a very sad and unbelievable way," the post read. "'Reader Fashion' was one of her greatest joys. Talking about books, recommending new reads, and interacting with you brought light into her days. We, her family, sincerely thank you for the messages and prayers. Tais, we will love you forever." Her death is part of a disturbing trend of violence against women, particularly influencers and public figures, in Latin America. Just weeks before Bruna's murder, Colombian model and influencer María José Estupiñán, 22, was shot at point-blank range by a gunman disguised as a delivery driver. The shooting occurred outside her home in the northeastern city of Cúcuta, and was captured on chilling CCTV footage. Her mother can be heard screaming, 'No, not my daughter!' as the gunman fled the scene. In another recent case, Mexican TikTok star and beautician Valeria Márquez, 23, was gunned down while live streaming from her salon, Blossom the Beauty Lounge, in the state of Jalisco. The graphic footage shows her looking out the window moments before gunshots rang out, striking her in the chest and head. These incidents have sparked renewed calls for more robust protections for women and public figures in the region. Advocacy groups continue to demand urgent action from governments to address the systemic violence that disproportionately targets women, both online and offline.


CNN
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
2.1 million crowd estimated at free Lady Gaga concert on Rio's Copacabana beach
A sea of people filled Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach on Saturday as pop superstar Lady Gaga played a colossal free concert in the Brazilian city, with more than a million fans expected to attend. Guests started queuing from early Saturday morning to secure a good spot for the show, which is paid for by local authorities. Organizers said about 2.1 million revelers were estimated to have attended. One fan, Lucas, told CNN that he thinks the concert attracted a bigger audience than the one put on by Madonna a year ago on the world-famous seafront. 'I feel the city is more crowded this time, but I'm very excited', said the film maker. Many fans – which the star refers to as her 'Little Monsters' – had dressed up in Gaga-themed costumes, referencing major hits like 'Poker Face,' 'Born This Way' and 'Bad Romance.' Lady Gaga's trip to Brazil is part of a global tour to promote 'Mayhem,' her new album. The genre-hopping singer and actor, 39, was in Mexico City last week, where she played two concerts. The night before the Rio concert, the pop star surprised beachgoers on Copacabana by taking the stage for a rehearsal. 'I've missed you so much', she said between applause, during her first performance in Brazil since 2012. 'I know that this is not the first show here, I know this is just a rehearsal, it feels like it's the real show,' she added before breaking into 'Alejandro.' On Saturday night, while walking towards the stage, Abril, an Argentine tourist, told CNN affiliate CNN Brazil about the big moment. 'The truth is that the energy here in Copacabana is incredible,' Abril said. 'Rio is incredible and it always lends itself to parties and magical moments.'


CNN
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
2.1 million crowd estimated at free Lady Gaga concert on Rio's Copacabana beach
A sea of people filled Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach on Saturday as pop superstar Lady Gaga played a colossal free concert in the Brazilian city, with more than a million fans expected to attend. Guests started queuing from early Saturday morning to secure a good spot for the show, which is paid for by local authorities. Organizers said about 2.1 million revelers were estimated to have attended. One fan, Lucas, told CNN that he thinks the concert attracted a bigger audience than the one put on by Madonna a year ago on the world-famous seafront. 'I feel the city is more crowded this time, but I'm very excited', said the film maker. Many fans – which the star refers to as her 'Little Monsters' – had dressed up in Gaga-themed costumes, referencing major hits like 'Poker Face,' 'Born This Way' and 'Bad Romance.' Lady Gaga's trip to Brazil is part of a global tour to promote 'Mayhem,' her new album. The genre-hopping singer and actor, 39, was in Mexico City last week, where she played two concerts. The night before the Rio concert, the pop star surprised beachgoers on Copacabana by taking the stage for a rehearsal. 'I've missed you so much', she said between applause, during her first performance in Brazil since 2012. 'I know that this is not the first show here, I know this is just a rehearsal, it feels like it's the real show,' she added before breaking into 'Alejandro.' On Saturday night, while walking towards the stage, Abril, an Argentine tourist, told CNN affiliate CNN Brazil about the big moment. 'The truth is that the energy here in Copacabana is incredible,' Abril said. 'Rio is incredible and it always lends itself to parties and magical moments.'