In a shocking turn of events, Manuel Cavazos Lerma, the former governor of Tamaulipas, has sparked outrage with a misogynistic remark regarding the alleged victim in a high-profile sexual abuse case involving Cuauhtémoc Blanco, a federal deputy and former soccer player. During a press conference, Cavazos Lerma stated that there must be proof that Blanco attempted to rape his half-sister, saying, "she is not very rapeable, so to speak." This statement, made in the presence of key members of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), has drawn widespread condemnation from activists, party leaders, and the public.
The controversy erupted on March 31, 2025, when Cavazos Lerma defended the PRI's decision to vote against the dismissal of Blanco, who is facing allegations of attempted rape from his half-sister, Nidia Fabiola Blanco. He argued that the investigation against Blanco was poorly constructed and could undermine the presumption of innocence. "First they have to prove that he tried to rape his sister, who is not very rapeable, so to speak," he remarked, a comment that has been labeled as both offensive and indicative of deep-seated misogyny.
Hours after his comments went viral, leaders of the PRI, including Bruno Díaz, president of the State Directive Committee of the PRI, condemned Cavazos Lerma's statements. Díaz described the remarks as "unacceptable" and emphasized that they do not represent the values of the PRI. He stated, "Women deserve respect, and any comment or action that denigrates them is condemned." This public disavowal came only after significant backlash from social media users and activists who criticized Cavazos Lerma for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and minimizing serious allegations of sexual violence.
In response to the outrage, Alejandro Moreno, the national president of the PRI, announced Cavazos Lerma's removal from his position as Secretary of Political Operation within the party. Moreno stated, "I have made the decision to remove him from his responsibility within the party. This determination responds to our commitment to responsible and respectful politics that is worthy of the people of Mexico." He reiterated that the comments made by Cavazos Lerma are unacceptable and do not align with the party's values.
The fallout from Cavazos Lerma's remarks has highlighted the ongoing issues of gender-based violence in Mexico, where such comments can reinforce a culture of impunity and victim-blaming. Activists have called for a more profound change in societal attitudes towards women and the serious nature of sexual violence allegations. Juliana Garza, the general secretary of the PRI in Tamaulipas, also issued a statement condemning the comments, asserting that they perpetuate a culture of violence and disdain towards women. "The violence and disqualification towards women have no place in our society," she said.
Critics have pointed out that statements like those made by Cavazos Lerma not only trivialize the experiences of survivors but also contribute to a broader societal problem where women's voices are often marginalized. As the debate continues, many are calling for the PRI to take a firmer stance against misogyny within its ranks and to ensure that such unacceptable rhetoric does not go unchecked.
Cuauhtémoc Blanco, who has faced allegations since 2024, has yet to see a conclusive legal outcome regarding the accusations against him. His case has been a focal point of discussion in Mexican politics, particularly concerning the treatment of women and the legal processes surrounding allegations of sexual violence. The recent comments by Cavazos Lerma have only intensified scrutiny on the political and legal systems that handle such sensitive matters.
As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how the PRI will address the internal issues highlighted by Cavazos Lerma's statements and whether this incident will prompt broader discussions about gender equality and respect for women within Mexican politics. The party's leadership has emphasized its commitment to upholding principles of respect and dignity, but many observers are watching closely to see if actions will follow these statements.
The incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for political leaders to foster an environment where respect for all individuals, particularly women, is paramount. As calls for accountability grow louder, the PRI faces the challenge of reconciling its public image with the actions of its members.
In conclusion, the fallout from Manuel Cavazos Lerma's comments illustrates the urgent need for change in how society addresses issues of gender-based violence and the treatment of women. As the PRI navigates this controversy, the broader implications for Mexican politics and societal attitudes towards women remain significant.
