Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday morning that she has filed a harassment complaint with the Mexico City Attorney General's Office following an incident where an intoxicated man approached her, touched, and kissed her without consent. According to her account, as she was walking from the National Palace to the Secretariat of Public Education building, the man harassed her and then continued to harass other women on the same street. Sheinbaum stated that she was not initially aware of the harassment as she was speaking with other people and only realized what had happened after seeing videos. She emphasized that this is not just a crime against her but an attack on all women in Mexico. Sheinbaum recalled that this is a common crime in the capital, but at the national level, it is not a criminal offense in all states. The President announced that she has asked the Secretary of Women, Citlalli Hernández, to review which states do not have criminal penalties for harassment and also announced the launch of a campaign against this crime. Regarding the subsequent media coverage, Sheinbaum criticized the publication of images of the harassment, particularly by the newspaper Reforma, calling it an act of re-victimization that exceeds all ethical and moral limits. She stated that she will not take legal action against the medium but requested at least an apology. When asked about her security, Sheinbaum defended her Presidential Aide and affirmed that she does not fear for her safety when she is with the people. She reiterated that there are no known threats against her security and that action would be taken if any arise.
