Sheinbaum Says No One Is Above the Law After Abuse Video of Ex-Pemex Chief Emerges

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her administration will not shield anyone from justice after a video surfaced appearing to show former Pemex chief Victor Rodriguez physically assaulting his wife, prompting a criminal investigation and renewed attention on violence against women in Mexico.

The footage, uploaded to YouTube on Friday by a woman identifying herself as Maria Felicia Jimenez, who says she is Rodriguez's wife, appears to have been captured by a home surveillance camera and carries a timestamp of March 15, 2026. Reuters confirmed that the individuals shown in the video are Rodriguez and Jimenez but could not independently verify where or when the recording was made.

Speaking during her regular morning press conference on Monday, Sheinbaum stressed that her government would not offer protection to anyone accused of violence.

"Let the law be applied; we will not protect anyone," the president said, adding that there can be no tolerance for violence against women. She also confirmed that Rodriguez would not be appointed to another position in her administration.

The five-minute video reportedly shows Rodriguez grabbing a woman by the neck, pulling her hair, pushing her, and pinning her down on a couch. Rodriguez is seen partially unclothed during part of the footage, while a young boy briefly appears before leaving the room.

Rodriguez has not publicly commented through Reuters. However, a statement posted Friday on an X account appearing to belong to him said he had stepped away from all public activities while authorities investigate the allegations. The statement added that he is willing to cooperate fully with investigators.

Alongside the video, Jimenez published a statement explaining why she decided to speak publicly. She alleged that remaining silent had previously cost her financial security and left her fearing for the safety of herself and her children because of Rodriguez's connections to influential political figures.

In her statement, Jimenez appealed directly to the government for protection, saying she hoped the administration, led by Mexico's first female president, would ensure the safety of her and her minor children.

The Attorney General's Office in the state of Morelos announced on Friday that it had launched an investigation into possible criminal offenses after reviewing the video, which appears to depict violence against a woman.

Rodriguez led state-owned oil company Pemex until May 14, when he resigned. At the time, Sheinbaum publicly thanked him for his service, saying his departure followed a timeline agreed upon when he accepted the position.

Following his resignation, Rodriguez was reportedly selected to head the Mexican Institute for Electrical Research (INEEL), an organization focused on energy transition. However, Mexico's Energy Ministry later clarified that the appointment was never officially finalized.

Sheinbaum has consistently made women's rights, gender equality, and combating gender-based violence central priorities of her administration. Since taking office, she has repeatedly pledged to strengthen protections for women and described her presidency as the beginning of an "era of women" in Mexico.

Rodriguez has long been regarded as one of Sheinbaum's closest allies, with their professional and personal relationship dating back to their university years. The investigation into the allegations is expected to test the administration's commitment to enforcing the law regardless of political ties.