Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum To Press Charges After Being Groped During Public Event
Mexico City—President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced she will press charges after being groped during a public event near the National Palace, an incident that has drawn national attention to the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in Mexico.
Video footage from the Tuesday appearance shows Sheinbaum addressing supporters when a man approached from behind, kissed her on the neck, and groped her. She quickly moved away as a member of her team intervened, and authorities have since arrested the suspect.
Speaking at a news conference, Sheinbaum said she took action to protect all women in Mexico.
“If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?” she asked, noting that the man had reportedly harassed other women in the crowd.
Women’s rights organizations condemned the attack, calling it a clear example of entrenched misogyny in Mexican society. Mexico faces a persistent gender-based violence crisis, with nearly 98% of femicides going unpunished.
Despite the incident, Sheinbaum vowed to continue her public engagements, emphasizing the importance of setting firm boundaries against harassment.
The attack comes shortly after the murder of Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán, highlighting ongoing security risks for public officials.
Since taking office, Sheinbaum has prioritized improving national security, including efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking, while maintaining direct engagement with the public.
