President Claudia Sheinbaum will press charges against a man who groped her during a public event in Mexico City, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage and renewed debate over gender-based violence in the country.
Sheinbaum emphasised that harassment and assault remain everyday realities for women nationwide, noting that she had faced similar incidents before assuming office.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum said she would pursue legal action not only for herself but for women across Mexico.
“If they can do this to the president, what happens to ordinary women?” she asked.
She also added that preliminary reports indicated the same man may have harassed other women in the crowd.
“A line must be drawn,” she said.
The assault, captured on mobile phone footage, occurred on Tuesday near the National Palace.
The video shows Sheinbaum greeting supporters when a man suddenly approached from behind, attempting to kiss her neck and touch her inappropriately. She quickly stepped away as security officers intervened. Authorities have since arrested the suspect.
Women’s rights advocates condemned the incident as a stark reflection of Mexico’s deep-rooted gender violence.
Activists warned that if even the president is not safe, it underscores how normalized such aggression has become.
Mexico continues to struggle with rampant femicide and sexual violence, with roughly 98% of cases reportedly going unpunished.
Sheinbaum, who campaigned on a promise to tackle violence against women, has faced criticism for limited progress so far.
Despite the assault, President Sheinbaum said she has no plans to change her open style of leadership.
The attack occurred just days after Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo was murdered during Day of the Dead celebrations in Michoacán, highlighting the country’s broader climate of insecurity.
Manzo had recently sought additional federal support against organized crime.
While Sheinbaum has made gains in national security, including efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking, a major concern for the U.S., the attack against her has reignited urgent calls to confront Mexico’s pervasive culture of gender-based violence and impunity.