Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has filed charges against a man who groped her in public while she was walking in the streets of Mexico City.
The man was captured on video groping Sheinbaum and attempting to kiss her during a short public walk on Tuesday.
In a post on X, Sheinbaum said she would “review the legislation so that this crime is punishable in all 32 [Mexican] states.”
She also released a video statement, noting:
“If this can happen to the president, what can we expect for all the young women in our country?”
The incident occurred as Sheinbaum, 62, spoke with residents along a route between the National Palace and the Education Ministry.
Footage widely circulated on social media shows a man approaching her from behind, placing his hands on her body, and leaning toward her face.
She later described the individual as “totally drunk.”
Sheinbaum appears visibly startled in the video, turning toward the man and pushing his hands away while keeping a composed expression.
A government official quickly intervened, stepping between them as the president moved back.
The man was escorted away as bystanders looked on.
WATCH:
🇲🇽 | Un sujeto manoseó a la presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum mientras saludaba a ciudadanos en el Centro Histórico de la CDMX.
El individuo fue detenido de inmediato por personal de seguridad. El hecho desató críticas por las fallas en el protocolo de protección presidencial. pic.twitter.com/eUaJLIaa1f
— BCN24 Noticias (@bcn24noticias) November 4, 2025
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada confirmed Tuesday night that the suspect had been arrested, The Associated Press reported.
Speaking at her daily news conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum said the confrontation reflected a broader, common experience for women across the country.
“This is something I experienced as a woman, but it is something that all women in our country experience,” she said.
Sheinbaum also criticized the distribution of the video, saying that posting it was “completely unethical and immoral.”
In response to the incident, the president said her administration will launch a campaign focused on educating men about respecting women’s rights.
“This is an issue of dignity for women and of recognizing our rights,” she said.
“We have published a women’s rights booklet, and this is connected to that.
“It’s a matter of defending all Mexican women.”
She emphasized that she would not change her approach to public engagement.
“We cannot distance ourselves from the people,” she said.
“That would be to deny where we come from and who we are.”
Sheinbaum took office in October 2024 as Mexico’s first female president.
She previously served as the Head of Government of Mexico City until 2023.
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.