A US newspaper report over the weekend alleging that Brazilian President Luiz Ignacio 'Lula' da Silva had a drinking problem was branded as 'calumny and defamation' by a spokeswoman.
A lengthy article, headlined 'Brazilian leader's tippling becomes national concern', in The New York Times on Sunday, brought swift denunciations from the president's staff.
'We do not consider this article to be valid journalism,' presidential spokeswoman Marcia Ornelas said. 'It is a piece of calumny and defamation and shows a prejudice against the president.'
Another spokesman added that 'the president's social habits are moderate and in line with those of average Brazilians'.
The New York Times article noted that Mr Da Silva was frequently seen with a glass of whisky in his hand.
It also quoted a one-time political ally, former Rio de Janeiro governor Leonel Brizola, as warning Mr Da Silva that 'distilled beverages are dangerous'.