Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, was publicly assaulted by a man in an incident that was captured on video and circulated widely online.
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Sheinbaum remains composed after assault: “Let’s take the photo, don’t worry”
The 62-year-old president was greeting citizens on a historic street in Mexico City on Tuesday when a man approached abruptly and attempted to touch her inappropriately. Sheinbaum, visibly surprised by the sexual assault, remained calm and tried to defuse the tension with a smile, saying: “Let’s take the photo, don’t worry.” Shortly after, security personnel intervened and removed the perpetrator, who according to eyewitnesses appeared to be intoxicated. The president did not react strongly, choosing to continue her public appearance, while her response was praised by media outlets for her composure and restraint.
“Unfortunately, no woman is exempt from experiencing sexual harassment in our country”
Local media reported that the man was arrested shortly after the incident. The Women’s Secretariat and leading gender equality organizations condemned the incident. In a joint statement they said: “Unfortunately, no woman is exempt from experiencing sexual harassment in our country, which is why we work daily to combat it.”
Sheinbaum’s victory was considered a milestone for women in a country facing gender-based violence, crime, and corruption.
