“A line must be drawn”: Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum vows justice after shocking groping incident

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has vowed to press charges against a man who groped her during a public event in Mexico City

She described the act as both personal and symbolic of what many women endure daily. The disturbing scene unfolded near the National Palace, where Sheinbaum was addressing supporters before an unidentified man suddenly approached her from behind and attempted to kiss and touch her.

Security officers swiftly intervened, restraining the offender, but the president’s composed reaction couldn’t hide her visible discomfort. She later revealed that the incident had deeply affected her, not merely as a leader, but as a woman.

At a press conference the next day, Sheinbaum made a powerful declaration.

“My view is, if I don’t file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women? If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?” she said, her voice firm yet emotional.

“I decided to press charges because this is something I experienced as a woman, but that we as women experience in our country.

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Sheinbaum draws a line amid growing safety concerns

The president confirmed that the man in question had allegedly harassed other women in the crowd.

“A line must be drawn,” she declared, emphasising that silence only fuels impunity.

Her statement struck a nerve nationwide, springing conversations about gender-based violence and machismo culture in Mexico. Despite recent progress, femicide remains rampant, with an estimated 98% of cases going unpunished. Women’s rights groups have since praised Sheinbaum’s stance, calling it a defining moment in the nation’s fight for gender justice.

However, the incident also raised new concerns over presidential security. Like her predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Sheinbaum prefers open interactions with citizens. She confirmed she would continue engaging closely with the public despite the risks.

The attack comes amid rising insecurity for politicians, following the assassination of Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan, during Day of the Dead festivities.

Tags: Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, Carlos Manzo, Uruapan, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.