I always thought, when I was in Rio, that I was on the edge of disaster. Wild sights on the beach, but don't go in the water.
Even Sao Paulo is risky at night. Rio, day or night, is dangerous.
That “anything goes” attitude is one held by the predators.
You are their prey.
Pray that they leave you alone.
I've been 4 times. No problems. I was nearly accosted by 3 guys once, but I saw them, they saw that I saw them and they found something else to do instead. I used to speak fluent Portuguese including the slang. Not anymore. Not going back anyways.
Miss the food, love the music, pray for the people...cheers!