“if This Happens to the President…” Sheinbaum Files Complaint for Harassment and Calls for Protection of All Women

President Sheinbaum Files Harassment Complaint in Mexico City

Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, has taken a significant step to address sexual harassment by filing a formal complaint against her aggressor with the Attorney General’s Office. The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in the Historic Center of Mexico City, where Sheinbaum was walking when an intoxicated individual invaded her personal space.

During the customary daily press conference, Sheinbaum recounted that she walked to the Ministry of Public Education (SEP) headquarters for a National Meeting of Universities and Higher Education Institutions. “We left by car and were supposed to arrive 20 minutes later, but my aides suggested, ‘If you want, we can walk to the SEP; it’s only five minutes.’ So we decided to walk,” she noted.

Sheinbaum highlighted that this incident was not an isolated case. “At the moment, I was actually speaking with other people; I didn’t immediately realize. Juan José, who coordinates the entire aide team, intervened, and only after watching the videos did I understand what really happened,” she recounted, as reported by the newspaper La Jornada.

Public Response and Call for Legal Action

The President’s response to this harassment was immediate and multifaceted. Sheinbaum stated that “this is something I experienced as a woman, but we live this as women in our country. I have experienced it before, when I was not president, as a student, as a young person.” She emphasized the importance of setting an example by taking legal action against such incidents.

Sheinbaum also called for respect and protection of all women’s rights: “I definitely felt the proximity of this individual.

He was, I repeat, completely intoxicated; I’m not sure if he was under the influence of drugs,” she added. The President went on to assert that no act of harassment against women should go unpunished, as it has happened before and continues to occur.

Investigation and Campaign Against Harassment

In the aftermath of this incident, Sheinbaum instructed the Secretary for Women, Citlalli Hernández, to investigate in which states of Mexico this act is categorized as a criminal offense. The President also emphasized the need to organize a campaign against harassment: “There must be respect for women in all senses,” she declared.

Sheinbaum’s actions extend beyond legal proceedings and into broader advocacy. She criticized a newspaper, Reforma, for publishing images of the harassment incident, stating that it was “completely unethical” and contributed to media revictimization. “This should not happen, especially coming from a media outlet,” she argued.

Reactions and Broader Implications

The President’s actions have significant implications for women’s rights in Mexico. By filing the complaint, Sheinbaum sets an example for other high-profile figures to take legal action against harassment. Her call to protect all women resonates with broader discussions on gender equality and safety measures.

Moreover, her emphasis on revictimization highlights the need for sensitivity and respect when reporting such incidents. “This is a form of revictimization,” she declared, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of media outlets in handling sensitive issues involving harassment.

The incident underscores the ongoing challenges women face in public spaces and the importance of strong leadership in addressing these issues. As Sheinbaum continues to advocate for women’s rights, her actions serve as a powerful reminder of the need for comprehensive protection against harassment and discrimination.