SHEINBAUM CALLS FOR NATIONWIDE CRIMINALISATION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AFTER ASSAULT INCIDENT

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Agency Report

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during her daily press conference where she announced progress in the organization of the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup, at Palacio Nacional in Mexico City on November 3, 2025. (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP)

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for sexual harassment to be made a criminal offence nationwide after a man groped and attempted to kiss her while she was greeting supporters near the presidential palace.

The incident occurred on Tuesday as Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, walked to an event, shaking hands and taking photos with members of the public. In videos circulated on social media, the man approached her from behind, put his arm around her shoulder, touched her hip and chest, and attempted to kiss her neck before being swiftly restrained by a member of her security team.

Authorities later confirmed that the man, who appeared intoxicated, had been arrested.

Speaking at her morning press conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum said she decided to file a formal complaint after learning that the same man continued to harass other women.

“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.

The president announced that her government would review whether sexual harassment is classified as a criminal offence across all 32 federal districts, adding that “it should be a criminal offence everywhere,” and pledged to launch a national campaign to combat such behaviour.

Sheinbaum, who has previously spoken about experiencing harassment in her youth, maintained composure during the encounter — even agreeing to take a photo with the man before realising the extent of the assault.

“This person approached me completely drunk; I don’t know if he was on drugs,” she said. “It wasn’t until I saw the videos that I realised what had really happened.”

The complaint has been filed with the Mexico City prosecutor’s office, where sexual harassment is punishable under existing law.

The incident has since sparked public outrage, prompting criticism of the president’s security detail and renewed debate over machismo culture in Mexico, where unwanted physical contact and gender-based violence remain widespread.

According to UN Women, around 70% of Mexican women aged 15 and older have experienced at least one form of sexual harassment in their lifetime.