Mexico’s first female President files complaint after street harassment

Mexico’s first female President files complaint after street harassment

Mexico City — President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for sweeping legal reforms to criminalize sexual harassment across all Mexican states, following a public assault that occurred as she walked to an official event near the presidential palace.

The incident, captured in videos circulating on social media, took place Tuesday when an unidentified man approached Sheinbaum from behind, groped her, and attempted to kiss her neck. The man, who appeared intoxicated, was quickly restrained by a member of the presidential security detail.

Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, addressed the matter during her morning press conference on Wednesday, revealing that she filed a formal complaint after learning the man continued to harass other women in the area. Authorities later confirmed his arrest.

“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?” Sheinbaum stated.

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Sheinbaum announced that her administration would review the criminal codes of Mexico’s 32 federal districts, many of which do not currently classify sexual harassment as a criminal offense. “This behavior should be a criminal offense in all states, and we are going to launch a campaign,” she said, adding that she had experienced similar harassment in her youth.

Despite the assault, Sheinbaum maintained composure during the encounter, even agreeing to take a photo with the man before he was removed.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the president’s security detail and reignited public discourse on entrenched “macho” attitudes that normalize violations of women’s personal space. According to UN Women, approximately 70 percent of Mexican women aged 15 and older have experienced at least one incident of sexual harassment.

The complaint was filed with the prosecutor’s office in Mexico City, where such behavior is punishable under existing law. Advocates have praised Sheinbaum’s response as a bold step toward strengthening protections for women nationwide.

Mexico’s first female President files complaint after street harassment