On Tuesday, a man in an intoxicated state broke through a crowd to greet Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and assaulted her. The man put his arm around her shoulder, groped her hip and chest, and attempted to kiss her neck.
The event occurred in Mexico City while Sheinbaum was interacting with the public, as captured in a viral video reported by CNN. Despite appearing startled, Sheinbaum agreed to take a photo with the man.
“This person approached, completely intoxicated…it wasn’t until I saw the videos later that I realised what had really happened,” Sheinbaum stated on Wednesday.
Juan José Ramírez Mendoza, one of Sheinbaum’s key aides, intervened and stopped the man. The suspect was arrested overnight and is currently held by the Sex Crimes Investigation Unit.
The President’s office confirmed that charges of harassment have been filed against the man. These charges cover lewd conduct, groping, and disrespectful behavior.
The incident sparked extensive outrage online and intensified discussions about harassment and women’s safety in public roles. It also drew attention to Mexico’s ongoing challenges regarding the protection of women.
Sheinbaum described the assault as an “assault on all women.”
The case highlights the urgent need for enhanced measures to safeguard women in public spaces.
The public harassment of Mexican President Sheinbaum by a drunk man has prompted legal charges and renewed debate about women's safety and harassment in Mexico’s public life.