Who is Ana Paula Renault, Star of Globo’s BBB 26?

Ana Paula Renault, the journalist expelled from Big Brother Brazil (BBB) 16 in 2016 after an aggression incident, returned to the Globo reality show for edition 26. The incident, which marked the program’s history, preceded a media career built on high visibility, forthright opinions, and controversy, earning her a passionate following. Before entering Big Brother Brazil, the Belo Horizonte native was already active in journalism, having graduated with a degree in the field. In BBB 16, she quickly became a central figure, adopting a confrontational posture, direct discourse, and behavior that tested the boundaries of coexistence within the house. Her constant verbal sparring, impactful phrases, and the catchphrase “Look there” resonated beyond the house, solidifying her as a dominant character who frequently appeared across program editions, social media, and journalistic coverage. Before her expulsion, Renault was a key player in the season’s narrative, including winning a “false paredão” that allowed her to temporarily leave the house and return with outside information. This amplified her prominence and influence, leading the public and critics to consider her a favorite for the prize.

However, her trajectory in the reality show was abruptly cut short. Ana Paula’s slap of fellow contestant Renan Oliveira led to her immediate expulsion. The expulsion sparked a national debate about behavioral limits, violence, and responsibility in live-transmitted confinement programs, making it one of the most remembered episodes in Big Brother’s history. The catchphrase “Olha ela” became a major meme and remains well-known in Brazil. Renault has appeared on two of Brazil’s most popular confinement reality shows: Big Brother Brazil (BBB) and A Fazenda 10, in 2018. After her debut on BBB, she successfully resumed her journalism career, establishing herself as a columnist, commentator, and presenter across various communication platforms, including the UOL portal.

Controversial Journalist Ana Paula Renault Reflects on BBB26, Past Incidents, and Melhor da Tarde Proposal

Now, returning to BBB 26, Ana Paula brings more life experience and game knowledge. Years after the 2016 incident, she described her expulsion as emotionally impactful. In a 2025 deposition to Gshow for the series BBB: The Documentary, she stated: “And I drank and was expelled, and it was totally embarrassing, one of the most embarrassing moments of my life, and I always remember my father.” Renault also discussed a past proposal on BBB26, sharing that negotiations for a show called Melhor da Tarde fell through due to financial disputes, leading her to leave the project.

In Case You Missed It

In our latest dose of reality TV talk, Bruno Pferd serves up a piping hot take on Tadeu Schmidt’s patience boiling over with Ana Paula Renault in “Tadeu Schmidt Loses Patience with Ana Paula Renault” Tadeu Schmidt Loses Patience with Ana Paula Renault. Meanwhile, Sophie Laurent crunches the numbers in her latest post, revealing that BBB 26 is already pulling in 3.7% more viewers than season 25 – it’s a ratings fever we’re all eager to watch unfold BBB 26 on Globo Already Has 3.7% More Audience Than Season 25. But hold onto your hats, folks! Ana Paula’s shot at the R$ 270,000 apartment might just slip away, as Jonathan Dubinski dishes on some unexpected production twists that have fans in a frenzy, campaigning for rule revisions and even hinting at sponsor gifts In Big Brother Brazil 26, Ana Paula Renault May Miss Out on R$ 270,000 Apartment Prize. It’s non-stop drama, folks – don’t miss out!