A video has gone viral showing Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum being harassed by an unidentified man while walking in central Mexico City. The incident occurred on Nov. 4 as Sheinbaum was returning from an event at the Ministry of Public Education, located near the country’s main square, the Zócalo.
According to local media reports, the man, who appeared to be intoxicated, approached Sheinbaum, attempted to kiss her and hugged her from behind. The president initially smiled awkwardly before moving away. One of her security guards then stepped between them, though many observers noted that a quicker response could have prevented the incident.
Later that evening, authorities said the man had been detained by police and referred to the prosecutor’s office for investigation of possible sexual crimes. The Ministry for Women and several parliamentary committees issued a joint statement condemning the assault, emphasizing that no woman in Mexico is immune from sexual harassment.
Sheinbaum later announced that she had filed a legal complaint against the perpetrator, calling the incident «an attack on all women.»
