Controversy Erupts Over Cavazos Lerma's Remarks on Cuauhtémoc Blanco's Sister
Manuel Cavazos Lerma, former governor of Tamaulipas, is currently facing a wave of criticism after making what are being widely perceived as offensive comments regarding the legal case involving Cuauhtémoc Blanco and allegations of attempted assault. The incident is unfolding against a backdrop of heightened awareness of gender-based violence and the responsibilities of public figures in shaping public discourse.
According to Antonio Hernández (Milenio, 2025), during a recent press conference in Ciudad Victoria, Cavazos Lerma addressed the situation surrounding the attempt to remove Blanco from office. While acknowledging the media attention the case has garnered, it was his remarks concerning Blanco's half-sister, the alleged victim, that ignited the controversy. Cavazos Lerma reportedly stated, «First, they have to prove he tried to assault his sister, who isn't very 'assaultable,' so to speak.»
These words are immediately drawing condemnation from various sectors, including activists, social media users, and journalists. Critics are emphasizing that such statements perpetuate harmful stereotypes, trivialize serious allegations, and contribute to a climate of revictimization. The incident is particularly sensitive given Mexico's ongoing struggle with gender violence, making Cavazos Lerma's comments especially jarring.
Justification and Repercussions
Adding fuel to the fire, Cavazos Lerma defended the PRI and Morena legislators' vote against removing Cuauhtémoc Blanco from his position, citing alleged flaws in the case's presentation. He argued that the file was «poorly constructed» and that proceeding under such circumstances would violate due process and the presumption of innocence.
«The file was poorly put together, and as you know, in legal matters, form comes before substance. And this file was integrated, and when a file is poorly integrated, what happens? If the PRI approves the badly integrated removal from office, it's over, he's won, and he's going to declare first that due process was violated and second that the presumption of innocence requirement is not being met,» Cavazos Lerma is quoted as saying (Hernández, 2025).
This justification is failing to quell the outrage surrounding his initial remarks. The attempt to remove Blanco from office has been stalled despite the accusations dating back to 2024. The alleged victim has repeatedly described the events, but a conclusive legal process is still outstanding.
PRI Responds
In response to the uproar, Bruno Díaz, the president of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in Tamaulipas, issued a statement distancing the party from Cavazos Lerma's words. The statement, published on social media, asserted that Cavazos Lerma's comments were unacceptable.
According to Díaz (Hernández, 2025), «This morning, we held a press conference where we addressed issues of interest to the state. Former Governor Manuel Cavazos Lerma was present, where he made UNACCEPTABLE statements. Women deserve respect, and we disapprove and condemn any comment or act that denigrates them. It is regrettable that he expresses himself in this way. I am speaking out on behalf of the members and, above all, the citizens, out of consistency and convinced that they do not represent me, much less the PRI of Tamaulipas.»
The statement has elicited mixed reactions. Paloma Guillen, a user who responded to the publication, stated, «The clarification was necessary. He doesn't represent us. At least not me either» (Hernández, 2025).
The Bigger Picture
The controversy surrounding Cavazos Lerma's comments is shining a spotlight on several critical issues. These issues include the pervasive nature of machismo in Mexican society, the importance of respecting due process in legal proceedings, and the responsibility of public figures to avoid language that could be interpreted as victim-blaming or supportive of gender-based violence.
Moving Forward
As the situation unfolds, it is becoming clear that the repercussions of Cavazos Lerma's statements will extend beyond the immediate criticism. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue and action to combat gender-based violence and promote a culture of respect and equality. Milenio (2025) continues to report on this evolving situation.
The public, activists, and political figures are now grappling with the need to hold individuals accountable for their words and actions, especially when those words and actions perpetuate harmful stereotypes and undermine efforts to achieve justice for victims of violence.
