Mexico's President Files Complaint After Being Groped
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday that she had filed a criminal complaint against a man who groped and tried to kiss her while she was greeting members of the public. The incident gained widespread attention after a video of it went viral.
President Sheinbaum's Statement
Sheinbaum, the first female leader of Mexico, called the act a crime during her regular morning news conference. She reflected on the broader issue, noting that she, like many other women in Mexico, has faced similar experiences. She emphasized the impact by saying,
"If this happens to the president, what will happen to all the young women in our country?"
She also noted that the man involved was heavily intoxicated.
Public Reaction and Security Concerns
The video quickly spread across the internet but was later removed from some accounts. It highlighted the challenges women face in Mexico, a country known for machismo culture and gender-based violence. The incident has sparked discussions about the security measures for Sheinbaum.
Similar to her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Sheinbaum travels with minimal security and frequently interacts closely with the public. She stated her intention to continue this approach:
"We have to be close to the people."
Description of the Incident
The event occurred during Sheinbaum’s short walk from Mexico’s National Palace to the Ministry of Education. The video shows a middle-aged man placing his arm around her, touching her chest, and attempting to kiss her. Sheinbaum moved his hands away before a staff member intervened.
Summary
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned a public groping incident, highlighting ongoing issues of gender violence and affirming her commitment to staying accessible despite security risks.