Key facts
- President Claudia Sheinbaum stated her government will not protect former Pemex CEO Victor Rodriguez.
- A video surfaced appearing to show Rodriguez violently abusing his wife.
- Rodriguez's wife claimed his connections to power prevented her from speaking out earlier.
- Sheinbaum declared that violence against women is unacceptable and Rodriguez will not hold another government position.
- The state Attorney General's office has opened an investigation into the incident.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that her administration will not shield former Pemex CEO Victor Rodriguez from legal consequences after a video surfaced that appears to show him violently abusing his wife. The video, posted to YouTube by a woman identifying herself as Rodriguez's wife, Maria Felicia Jimenez, was reportedly recorded by home surveillance on March 15, 2026.
In the five-minute footage, Rodriguez is seen grabbing a woman by the neck, pulling her hair, and shoving her. The accompanying statement on YouTube claimed that speaking out would have meant losing her job, money, home, and custody of her children due to Rodriguez's connections to high-ranking officials.
Rodriguez, who was still head of Pemex at the time of the alleged incident, announced his departure on May 14. Sheinbaum stated that his resignation followed a pre-set timeline. Rodriguez could not be reached for comment, but a statement on an X account believed to be his indicated he was cooperating with authorities.
"Let the law be applied, we will not protect anyone," Sheinbaum said during a press conference, emphasizing that violence against women is unacceptable and that Rodriguez would not be given another role in her government. The Attorney General's office for Morelos state has opened an investigation into the matter. Rodriguez had been appointed to lead the energy transition institute INEEL after leaving Pemex, but his appointment was never formalized.