Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday that she had lodged a criminal complaint against an individual who groped and attempted to kiss her while she was engaging with the public. The incident, captured in a viral video, was condemned by Sheinbaum during her routine morning press briefing as a criminal act, highlighting the common experiences of women in Mexico facing similar situations.
Expressing concern over the safety of women in the country, Sheinbaum emphasized the implications of such behavior, particularly as the man involved was reportedly inebriated. The video swiftly circulated online before being removed by some accounts, shedding light on the prevalent challenges women encounter in a society deeply entrenched in machismo and gender-related violence.
The incident has sparked discussions regarding Sheinbaum’s security arrangements. Similar to her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Sheinbaum opts for minimal security measures and actively engages with the public, even immersing herself in crowds of people. Despite the incident, Sheinbaum affirmed her commitment to maintaining her accessible approach, stating, “we have to be close to the people.”
The altercation occurred as Sheinbaum was walking from Mexico’s National Palace to the Ministry of Education. The video captures a man, identified as middle-aged, encroaching on Sheinbaum, touching her inappropriately, and attempting to kiss her. Sheinbaum managed to push his hands away before a member of her staff intervened, as her security detail appeared to be absent at the moment.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada confirmed that the individual involved had been apprehended following the incident. Additionally, Sheinbaum criticized Mexican newspaper Reforma for publishing images of the altercation, considering it a violation and calling for an apology, labeling the use of such images as a crime.
Under Sheinbaum’s leadership, the federal government’s Women’s Ministry has encouraged women to report instances of violence against them while urging media outlets to refrain from disseminating content that undermines women’s dignity. However, feminist advocates have previously criticized Sheinbaum for inadequate efforts in addressing violence against women, citing insufficient investigations and prosecutions of femicides.
In 2024, Mexico documented 821 femicides, with 501 cases recorded by September of the current year, figures that many believe underestimate the actual prevalence. Ana Yeli Perez of the National Citizen Observatory on Femicide emphasized that the incident involving Sheinbaum has reignited national discourse on violence against women, emphasizing the urgent need for condemnation and recognition of the daily challenges women face.
The incident coincided with Sheinbaum meeting with the widow of a mayor from Michoacán state who was publicly assassinated. The late mayor, Carlos Manzo, was outspoken in his criticism of the federal government’s efforts against organized crime in the region, prompting his targeted assassination during a public event, which sparked nationwide outrage and protests.
Grecia Quiroz, Manzo’s widow, has agreed to assume his mayoral duties and was scheduled for inauguration on Wednesday. Vowing to continue the fight for justice, Quiroz expressed determination in seeking justice for her late husband. The Independent Hat Movement, led by Carlos Bautista, to which Manzo belonged, confirmed that the new mayor would be safeguarded by a security detail of at least 14 agents.
Authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with Manzo’s assassination, pledging to pursue a thorough investigation into the matter.
