Mexico's president lashes out at newspaper for sharing image of man groping her

Mexico's President Files Complaint After Being Groped in Public

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday that she has filed a criminal complaint against a man who groped and attempted to kiss her while she was greeting the public. The incident occurred during a brief walk from Mexico's National Palace to the Ministry of Education and was captured on video, which circulated widely online before some accounts removed it.

President Sheinbaum Addresses the Incident

Sheinbaum, the first female leader of Mexico, condemned the event as a crime and highlighted that many women in Mexico face similar experiences. Speaking at her regular morning press conference, she stated:

“If this happens to the president, what will happen to all the young women in our country?”

She added that the man involved appeared to be very drunk.

Public Security and Presidential Accessibility

The viral video sparked debate about the president's security, as Sheinbaum, like her predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador, maintains minimal security and frequently interacts directly with citizens by walking into crowds.

Despite the incident, Sheinbaum said she does not intend to change this approach:

“We have to be close to the people.”

Details from the Incident

The footage shows a middle-aged man placing his arm around Sheinbaum, touching her chest, and trying to kiss her. She moved his hands away before a staff member intervened.

Context of Violence Against Women

The episode highlights the ongoing insecurity women face in Mexico, a country with a profound culture of machismo and prevalent gender-based violence.

Summary

President Sheinbaum's experience underscores the serious risks women confront in Mexico, emphasizing the need for awareness and protection even for high-profile public figures.

CBC.ca — 2025-11-06