On July 3, in the Hipódromo Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City, Ximena Pichel, an Argentinean-Mexican actress and model, was caught on video uttering racist and classist insults against a traffic officer who was trying to immobilize her vehicle for not having paid the parking meter.
Among the expressions were phrases such as “pinche indio” and “I hate black people like you”, which generated a wave of indignation in social networks and the media. The video quickly went viral, and Pichel was nicknamed ‘Lady Racist’.
Aarón Beas breaks the silence
Aarón Beas, an actor known for his participation in soap operas such as ‘Amor en Custodia’, and Pichel’s ex-partner, spoke publicly about the incident.
Especially because of the involvement of her teenage son, who appears in the video with his mother.
In an interview, Beas expressed concern for his son’s emotional well-being and offered public apologies for his behavior.
“He’s very sad, he’s crying, he’s worried about what might happen to his mom.”
“I believe that in due time he will come out to apologize, poor thing, he is very frightened,” commented Aarón Beas.
The actor also revealed that he has had differences with Pichel regarding the upbringing of his son and that he has not maintained a close relationship with her for more than a year.
Public apology from Ximena Pichel
Days after the incident, Ximena Pichel issued a statement in which she acknowledged the seriousness of her words and offered a public apology.
“There is no justification. It was a mistake that I take responsibility for. I want to offer a sincere and unreserved public apology.”
“My words offended a man doing his job and also many…,” Pichel wrote.
However, the appearance of a second video in which he is seen verbally assaulting a security guard has cast doubt on the sincerity of his apology and intensified criticism against him.
Legal and social implications
He's very upset (his son), he's crying
The assaulted traffic officer filed a complaint with the Mexico City Prosecutor’s Office and the Council to Prevent Discrimination.
Authorities, including government chief Clara Brugada and President Claudia Sheinbaum, condemned the events and announced campaigns against discrimination.
Under Mexico City’s Penal Code, Pichel could face fines, community service or a sentence of one to three years for discrimination.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
