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

Mexican President Files Complaint After Being Groped

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday that she has filed a criminal complaint against a man who groped and tried to kiss her while she was greeting the public. The incident gained widespread attention after a video of it went viral.

Incident Details and Response

Sheinbaum, the first female leader of Mexico, described the situation as a crime during her regular morning news conference. She pointed out that many women in Mexico endure similar acts of harassment. She said,

"If this happens to the president, what will happen to all the young women in our country."

The president also noted that the man involved appeared to be heavily intoxicated.

Public Reaction and Security Concerns

The video circulated rapidly and was later removed by some users, highlighting ongoing security challenges faced by women in Mexico, where machismo and gender violence remain persistent issues. The situation sparked debate about Sheinbaum’s security measures.

Like her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Sheinbaum opts for minimal security and engages closely with the public, often entering crowds. She confirmed she plans to maintain this approach, saying,

"We have to be close to the people."

Context of the Incident

The incident occurred as Sheinbaum walked from Mexico's National Palace to the Ministry of Education. The video shows a middle-aged man putting his arm around her, touching her chest, and attempting to kiss her. She moved his hands away before a staff member intervened.

Summary

This incident underscores the challenges of gender-based harassment in Mexico and the balance Sheinbaum maintains between public accessibility and personal security.

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CBC.ca CBC.ca — 2025-11-05

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