Singer Patrícia Ribeiro has served her prison sentence and is looking for a fresh start
“It was a dark time, but I want to be happy”
The Portuguese artist has completed her sentence and is now focused on resuming her musical career
Singer Patrícia Ribeiro, recognized as Portugal's first transgender artist, is making an emotional and controversial comeback. After serving her 8-year sentence at the Tires Prison in Cascais, she took to social media to publicly apologize to the victim and her family, in a gesture of repentance for her actions.
“I deeply regret what I did. It was a dark time. I apologized to everyone involved in this tragedy and, from now on, I will look at the past as a place of learning. I am not afraid of it, I am ashamed and I know that it is an area I do not want to return to”, declared the singer, who now dreams of resuming her career in Brazil, a country she is very passionate about.
In 2016, Patrícia was convicted of extortion after threatening to release intimate photos of a businessman if he did not pay her 400 thousand euros. The crime resulted in the suspension of her music career. During her period of confinement, the artist faced difficulties that left deep scars. “I have bruises, scars from the moments of self-harm while I was still in prison. Having disappointed my family, finding myself in that deplorable situation, really affected my psyche,” she said.
Now, free since November 2022, when she was granted parole, Patricia wants to write a new chapter in her story. Inspired by the song that marked Big Brother Portugal, she reiterates her request for a new chance: “I want to be happy, I need a chance.”
Patrícia is also determined to use her experience to positively impact other people. “If my story can prevent someone from making the same mistakes, it will have been worth sharing.”
Resuming her career and finding her voice again, Patrícia Ribeiro promises to launch new projects soon. The artist is not afraid of controversy and is willing to transform her past into a lesson, showing that it is possible to be reborn, even in the most adverse conditions.
