Diogo Reis had initially chosen to stand by BJJ College in the immediate aftermath of Melqui Galvao‘s arrest, reasoning that the team still needed him even after its leader had been removed from active involvement. That position did not hold for long.
In a public statement posted to his social media account, the black belt competitor announced a full break from the organization, citing an irreconcilable conflict between what the situation had revealed and what he stands for as a person.
“At first, I had decided to remain at BJJ College so as not to abandon the team, since the leader had been removed,” Reis wrote. “However, the proportion of the facts makes my permanence in the team unbearable as they go totally against my principles and values, and for this reason I am withdrawing.”
In an earlier public note, Reis had acknowledged deep personal ties to Galvao while calling for proper legal accountability.
In that first statement, he had written: “To me, the Master always treated me with respect and attention, and for him I have love and gratitude for all the teachings and opportunities. Regardless of that, regarding the disclosed facts, which are being properly investigated by the competent authorities, may justice be done.”
He had closed that note by declaring his intention to stay on, writing that the team “now, more than ever, needs me.”
Reis noted that the relationships he built over the years remain meaningful to him, writing: “During these years I obtained great learning and made great friends, which I will carry for life, but now the time has come to follow my path.”
He also confirmed he will appear at the upcoming Brazilian Championship in a personal capacity rather than as a representative of the team: “This weekend I will be present at the Brazilian Championship to give support to the team as a friend and no longer as a team member.”
He closed with a restatement of the position he had already made public once before: “I reaffirm my repudiation against any type of violence or abuse against women and children, and also my solidarity with all the people affected by this type of cri me.”
The change in tone between his two statements did not go unnoticed. Unlike the initial post, Reis left the comment section open on the departure announcement, a detail that observers flagged as a signal of his willingness to engage with public reaction directly.
Reis was not alone in walking away from the team. IBJJF world champion Yatan Bueno also announced his departure.
Melquisedeque de Lima Galvao Ferreira, known as Melqui Galvao, was taken into custody in Manaus on April 28 following allegations made by three female students. The investigation, led by the 8th Women’s Defense Police Station in São Paulo, was triggered after a 17-year-old athlete came forward to report alleged misconduct that took place during a competition trip to Italy.
As the inquiry expanded, investigators identified two additional individuals he allegedly targeted, including a girl who was 12 years old at the time of the alleged incidents.
Authorities say Galvao reportedly attempted to access the 17-year-old’s phone without her permission, and later tried to discourage her parents from cooperating with authorities by offering professional and financial incentives, including a proposal to establish a gym abroad.
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation and the Confederação Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu responded by issuing a permanent ban against Galvao, cutting him off from all sanctioned competition and participation under both organizations. Forensic analysis of devices seized during the operation remains pending, and the investigation continues under judicial confidentiality.
[Editor’s Note: Statements have been translated and edited for clarity.]
