Unvaccinated Brazilian President Eats Pizza on NYC Sidewalk, Defends Pandemic Decisions

The president of Brazil is among the many heads of state visiting New York City this week.But his arrival caused a bit of a stir due to his unvaccinated status.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had a back and forth these past few days. Bolsonaro said he would be the last Brazilian to ever get the shot, and de Blasio made clear Bolsonaro wouldn't be able to attend the U.N. Assembly if he's not vaccinated. In the end, Bolsonaro attended and was the opening speaker, as it's tradition for Brazil to kick off the event.

New York City is requiring proof of vaccination for most indoor settings. The United Nations headquarters, however, lies in international territory.

Last year, the U.N. agreed to follow New York City guidelines when it comes to containing COVID-19. But just recently, the U.N. secretary general said he cannot tell a head of state that he can't enter the U.N. just because he's not vaccinated.

Now, Bolsonaro attended the assembly without problems, but one incident did raise eyebrows. Brazil's minister of tourism posted a picture of them eating pizza outside a New York City establishment, leading people to think they weren't allowed inside because Bolsonaro isn't vaccinated.