Controversy Surrounds SCJN President Hugo Aguilar After Viral Shoe-Cleaning Video
QUERÉTARO, February 5, 2026 – Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, the Minister President of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN), has sparked a national debate following the release of a video showing staff members kneeling to clean his shoes during an official event in Querétaro.
Incident Overview
The footage, which went viral on the morning of February 5, 2026, shows a woman—later identified as Amanda Pérez Bolaños, the Director of Social Communication—kneeling on the ground to wipe the Minister’s footwear with a napkin. The incident occurred shortly before the official ceremony commemorating the 109th anniversary of the Mexican Constitution. In the video, Aguilar is seen adjusting his stance to facilitate the cleaning process, which critics have labeled as an act of “arrogance” and “soberbia.”
Official Response and Clarification
Following intense social media backlash and criticism from opposition figures, including Deputy Rubén Moreira, Minister Hugo Aguilar issued a public apology and a clarification of the events. According to Aguilar, the situation was the result of an accidental coffee spill that splashed his shoes. He stated that the staff member acted out of professional courtesy to resolve the mess before the start of the formal act.
“It was not an act of superiority,” Aguilar claimed, explaining that he initially asked the collaborator not to do it, but eventually allowed the cleaning to proceed to ensure the decorum of the official event. He admitted that allowing the situation to be captured in such a manner was an error in judgment and offered an apology to the official involved.
Political and Public Reaction
The incident has drawn sharp rebukes from various sectors:
- Opposition: PRI Deputy Rubén Moreira described the Minister’s behavior as “arrogant,” suggesting it contradicts the principles of public service.
- Business Sector: Businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego utilized social media to criticize the Minister, calling on activists to speak out against what he perceived as a display of “machismo” and “misogyny.”
- Human Rights: The State Human Rights Commission (CEDH) has reportedly initiated an ex-officio investigation into the matter following the public outcry.
Key Facts
Note: Data based on official records and verified reports.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Hugo Aguilar Ortiz |
| Current Position | Minister President of the Supreme Court (SCJN) |
| Event Location | Querétaro, Mexico |
| Incident Date | February 5, 2026 |
| Reason Cited | Accidental coffee spill |
| Staff Involved | Amanda Pérez Bolaños (Director of Social Communication) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the woman in the video cleaning Hugo Aguilar’s shoes?
The woman has been identified as Amanda Pérez Bolaños, who serves as the Director of Social Communication for the Supreme Court.
What was the official explanation for the incident?
Minister Hugo Aguilar stated that a colleague accidentally spilled coffee and cream on his shoes. He claimed the cleaning was a quick reaction to the spill before the start of the 109th Anniversary of the Constitution ceremony.
Has Hugo Aguilar apologized?
Yes. Following the viral spread of the video and pressure from public figures, the Minister admitted it was an error to allow the situation to occur and issued a public apology.
Where did this happen?
The incident took place in the city of Querétaro, Mexico, during the official commemorations of the Mexican Constitution on February 5, 2026.