Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, is seen being harassed by a man in Mexico City. PHOTO: K24 Digital
Mexico City — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was groped by a man while interacting with citizens on the streets of Mexico City on Tuesday, November 5, raising concerns about presidential security and the broader issue of sexual harassment against women in the country.
Footage of the incident shows a visibly intoxicated man attempting to kiss Sheinbaum on the neck and embrace her from behind. The president quickly pushed him away before a government official intervened to separate them.
As the man was led away, Sheinbaum was seen responding calmly, saying, “Don’t worry.” State police later confirmed that the suspect had been arrested. Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday that she intends to press charges.
"This is something I experienced as a woman, but it is something that all women in our country experience," Sheinbaum said during a press briefing. "If I do not file a complaint, where does that leave all Mexican women? If this can happen to the president, what happens to other women in the country?"
Observers noted that the incident underscores the pervasive nature of sexual harassment in Mexico. Catalina Ruiz-Navarro, a journalist for the feminist outlet Volcánicas, commented:
"Even if you’re the president, some men believe they have the right to touch you. This is what patriarchy looks like."
The event also highlighted potential gaps in presidential security. The video shows that Sheinbaum’s security detail was not immediately visible, allowing the harassment to continue for several seconds before intervention.
This incident comes just days after Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, a popular mayor, was killed during Day of the Dead celebrations in Uruapan, Michoacán, highlighting the risks faced by public officials in Mexico.
Since Sheinbaum assumed office on October 1, 2025, at least 10 municipal presidents have been killed, and dozens of local candidates were murdered during the 2024 election cycle.
Despite the dangers, Sheinbaum has continued the practice of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, by engaging closely with the public and maintaining a relatively low-profile security presence. She emphasized that distancing herself from the people would betray her roots.
"We cannot distance ourselves from the people," Sheinbaum said. "That would be to deny where we come from and who we are."
Many commentators praised her response and called for a clear message that harassment is unacceptable. Alejandra Escobar, editorial director at Etcétera, wrote on X:
"The president pressing charges will send a strong message: no man has the right to kiss or touch a woman without consent."