A video resurfacing from months ago shows Claudia Sheinbaum introducing Víctor Rodríguez Padilla as a close collaborator, a stark contrast to her statements this Monday, June 29, 2026, amid serious allegations against him.

Rodríguez Padilla, former director of Pemex, is currently under investigation following accusations of domestic violence made public by his wife, María Felicia Jiménez. Security footage released shows a presumed physical assault from March 2026, intensifying public scrutiny.

Back in 2024, Sheinbaum, then president-elect, praised Rodríguez Padilla during a conference announcing his appointment as head of Pemex. She highlighted their longstanding academic and professional relationship, recalling how they were classmates and co-authors of a book on energy. “We were classmates in college, master’s colleagues; we wrote a book on energy together,” she said, framing him as a trusted expert.

However, on June 29, 2026, when questioned about the allegations, Sheinbaum distanced herself, calling Rodríguez Padilla “only an acquaintance” and emphasizing that no one would be shielded from justice. She confirmed that his proposed appointment to lead the National Institute of Electricity and Clean Energy (INEEL) never materialized.

This shift sparked a wave of reactions on social media platform X, where users contrasted her past praise with her current dismissal of their relationship. Many questioned the sudden minimization of Rodríguez Padilla’s role given the severity of the accusations.

Meanwhile, the Morelos Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the case, and the Secretariat for Women is providing support to the victim. Rodríguez Padilla has stepped down from any public position to face the legal process as a private citizen, pledging cooperation with authorities and requesting respect for his family.

This episode highlights the complex intersections of power, accountability, and public trust in Mexico’s political landscape. It also underscores the importance of transparent responses from leaders when confronting issues of domestic violence—a critical concern for many in Mexico and beyond.