Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has decided to file charges against an individual who was observed groping and attempting to kiss her during a brief walk on Tuesday.
In a post on X, Sheinbaum declared her intention to “review the legislation so that this crime is punishable across all 32 [Mexican] states.”
A video accompanying her post showed her remarking, “if this can happen to the president, what can we expect for all the young women in our country?”
Sheinbaum, 62, appeared in a now-viral video speaking with locals when a man approached her from behind, placed his hands on her body, and then leaned towards her face. The Mexican president later described the man as “totally drunk.”
In the footage, Sheinbaum, visibly startled, turned towards the man and gently pushed his hands away, all while maintaining a rigid smile.
A government official is seen promptly stepping in to separate the two as the president moved back. The man was then escorted away, with onlookers watching in disbelief.
The incident reportedly occurred as Sheinbaum walked between Mexico’s National Palace and the Education Ministry.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada announced Tuesday night that the man had been apprehended, as reported by The Associated Press.
Speaking at her daily news conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum characterized the event as symbolic of a wider issue confronting Mexican women.
She stated, “This is something I experienced, but it is something that all women in our country experience.”
Addressing the video of the incident, Sheinbaum deemed its posting “completely unethical and immoral.”
Following the incident, Sheinbaum unveiled a plan to launch a campaign aimed at educating men on respecting women’s rights.
She said, “This is an issue of dignity for women and of recognizing our rights. We have published a women’s rights booklet, and this is connected to that. It’s a matter of defending all Mexican women.”
Sheinbaum, who assumed office in October 2024, emphasized that the incident would not deter her from engaging directly with citizens.
She asserted, “We cannot distance ourselves from the people. That would be to deny where we come from and who we are.”
Before becoming president, Sheinbaum served as the Head of Government of Mexico City until 2023.
Digital has reached out to Sheinbaum’s office for comment.