Kennedy Family Joins Rio Wedding Amid Brazil Election Tensions

Key points

• Conor Kennedy and Brazilian pop star Giulia Be held a three-day wedding celebration in Rio de Janeiro, beginning on October 8 and culminating on October 10.
• The final reception was held at the Instituto Brando Barbosa, a colonial mansion near Rio’s botanical gardens, and included several hundred guests.
• U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended the event with his wife, actress Cheryl Hines.
• The couple had previously held a civil ceremony in Los Angeles in March 2026.
• The wedding occurred during a period of heightened political tension in Brazil ahead of its presidential election.

Background

Conor Kennedy, an attorney and great-nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, married Giulia Be, a Brazilian pop star. The couple began dating in 2021 after being introduced virtually by Conor’s sister, Kyra. They proposed in August 2024 in Los Angeles. This wedding follows earlier coverage of the couple’s engagement and fashion choices, including gowns by Calvin Klein and Harris Reed. The event also coincides with a tight presidential race in Brazil, where Flávio Bolsonaro has surged in polls against Lula da Silva.

How outlets are covering it

The Daily Beast and Yahoo emphasized the lavish nature of the three-day celebration and the presence of RFK Jr. The New York Times highlighted the political context, noting the wedding occurred amid rising tensions surrounding Brazil’s presidential election and featured a secret guest list including A-list Brazilian artists. Vogue focused on the cultural and fashion details, detailing Giulia Be’s international wardrobe choices, including custom pieces from Spanish, Brazilian, and British designers, and the couple’s decision to celebrate in her hometown of Rio de Janeiro.

Why it matters

The wedding highlights the intersection of U.S. political figures with international cultural events during a critical period in Brazilian politics. The presence of a U.S. cabinet member at a high-profile event in Brazil underscores the diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations, even as Brazil approaches a contentious presidential election.

What to watch

The couple is expected to continue their marriage as they navigate public attention and political scrutiny. The outcome of Brazil’s presidential election will likely influence future diplomatic and cultural exchanges between the U.S. and Brazil.