Mexico, Nov 6 : A moment of public celebration turned distressing when Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum was groped during a street appearance near the National Palace in Mexico City, sparking a nationwide conversation on women’s safety and harassment laws.
The incident, captured on camera, shows President Sheinbaum interacting with supporters on Tuesday when a man suddenly approached her from behind, attempting to kiss her neck and placing his hands on her body. She quickly moved away, visibly disturbed, as aides intervened. The man was later detained by police.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum confirmed that she would press charges, saying, “If I don’t file a complaint, what happens to other Mexican women? If something like this can happen to the president, what will happen to all the women in our country?”
Sheinbaum, who has openly discussed experiencing harassment in the past, said her decision was not just personal but a stand against a widespread societal issue. “This is something that many women in our country experience every day,” she said, adding that the same man had reportedly harassed others in the crowd.
Footage of the incident also raised questions about security arrangements, as her immediate protection team was not visible during the encounter. Critics have urged tighter security measures, but Sheinbaum dismissed suggestions that she would change her open approach with citizens.
In a social media post, she described the attack as reflective of the daily struggles faced by women in Mexico and globally. “Many women experience harassment daily, and it’s time we stop pretending it’s acceptable,” she wrote.
The incident has reignited concern over gender-based violence in Mexico, where, according to the United Nations, an average of 10 women are murdered every day. Nearly 70% of women over 15 report having faced sexual harassment at least once in their lives.
President Sheinbaum called for nationwide legal reforms, noting that not all of Mexico’s 32 states classify sexual harassment as a crime. She announced plans to launch a public awareness campaign aimed at supporting victims and strengthening legal protections.
The shocking episode has not only underscored the urgent need for stronger safeguards for women but also sparked a broader discussion on how deeply ingrained gender violence remains in Mexican society.