Anitta defends her Afro-Brazilian faith after new music video costs her some followers

By ELÉONORE HUGHES
Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil’s biggest pop star, Anitta, has released a music video depicting rituals of the Afro-Brazilian faith Candomble, sparking controversy in a country where religious intolerance is all too common. Her track — pointedly named “Accept” — has been viewed over a million times on YouTube since its release on Tuesday. It is a rare personal offering from the artist, who has long practiced the religion in Rio de Janeiro’s north zone. Anitta said she lost 200,000 of her 65 million followers on Instagram after its release.