Ulises Bernal, a local Mexican government trade association leader, was terminated from his position after a video surfaced showing him making a racist slanted-eye gesture at South Korean influencer Yoon Su-jin during a World Cup match in Jalisco. The incident, captured on camera and widely shared, has drawn immediate backlash from both domestic and international observers.
The firing underscores the heightened scrutiny of public figures during the global tournament, which has brought millions of international visitors to host cities across the United States and Mexico. The gesture, directed at a prominent influencer, threatens to overshadow broader diplomatic and trade relations between Mexico and South Korea at a time when economic partnerships are being emphasized.
Political reactions have been swift. Mexican officials have condemned the act, with the trade association announcing Bernal's dismissal without severance, calling his behavior "unacceptable." Opposition lawmakers have called for a broader investigation into workplace culture within the trade group, while the ruling party has distanced itself from the incident, framing it as an individual failing rather than a systemic issue.
Public sentiment in Mexico has been sharply divided. Many citizens have expressed outrage on social media, demanding stricter anti-racism measures in government bodies. Polling data from a local news outlet indicates that 68% of respondents believe the firing was justified, while 22% view it as an overreaction, reflecting lingering tensions over political correctness and national pride.
Some analysts caution that the firing, while swift, may not satisfy critics who argue Mexico has historically under-enforced anti-discrimination laws. The incident also risks inflaming nationalist rhetoric among certain factions, potentially distracting from positive World Cup diplomacy efforts.