Mexico: Video of alleged assaults implicates former Pemex boss Sheinbaum, who vows he will not be protected

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Monday that no protection would be afforded to the former head of the state-owned oil company Pemex, Victor Rodriguez, after the release of a video apparently showing him assaulting his wife. A criminal investigation has been launched by the authorities.

The video, posted on YouTube on Friday by a woman identifying herself as Maria Felicia Jimenez, Victor Rodriguez's wife, appears to have come from a security camera system installed in their home. Dated March 15, 2026, the footage shows a man identified as Rodriguez grabbing a woman by the neck, pulling her hair, pushing her violently, and holding her down.

When questioned about the matter, Claudia Sheinbaum stated that she would not protect anyone from such accusations. She also clarified that Victor Rodriguez would not hold any other position within her government, reaffirming that the judicial authorities must be able to conduct their work with complete independence.

At the time the alleged events took place, Victor Rodriguez was still the head of Pemex. He had announced his resignation on May 14 in a video recorded alongside the president, who thanked him for his work and specified that his departure was part of a timetable agreed upon before he took office.

Reuters reports that it was unable to reach the former executive for comment. However, a statement posted Friday on an X social media account that appears to belong to him asserts that he is stepping down from all public duties for the duration of the investigation and that he is willing to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities.

The state attorney general has opened a criminal investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the events shown in the video. At this stage, authorities have not released any further information on the progress of the investigation or any potential future charges.