The Electoral Institute of Michoacán (IEM) has ordered Senator Gerardo Fernández Noroña to remove videos and posts against Uruapan's mayor, Grecia Quiroz, for misogynistic expressions and gender-based political violence. Noroña complied by deleting the content but denied any harassment and stated he will continue criticizing public figures. The controversy arose after the assassination of her husband, Carlos Manzo, in November 2025.
Background of the controversy
The dispute between Morena Senator Gerardo Fernández Noroña and Grecia Quiroz García, mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, began in November 2025. This followed shortly after the assassination of Carlos Manzo, Quiroz's husband and former mayor of Uruapan, on November 1. Quiroz assumed the municipal role after his death, allegedly carried out by members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in collaboration with Samuel 'N', his former Public Relations Secretary.
In live streams on his YouTube channel, Noroña criticized Quiroz for her alleged political ambition. "The ambition has awakened in her and she's going for the governorship of Michoacán, I sign it. She will be a candidate, but from there to beating us there's a sea of distance, but it's evident she's already in that line," he said in a video. He also called Quiroz's accusations against Morena legislators as possible responsible for Manzo's homicide an "irresponsible declaration," stating that "it's evident she's already in that line, and the right will support her fully and they need fascist figures with popular backing."
IEM Order and Noroña's Response
The Electoral Institute of Michoacán (IEM) determined that these contents constituted misogynistic expressions and gender-based political violence, undermining Quiroz's authority as a woman in office. In a Special Sanctioning Procedure promoted by the mayor, the IEM granted precautionary measures: Noroña had to delete or edit the materials within 24 hours and abstain from acts of harassment or intimidation, directly or through third parties.
Uruapan's Legal Advisor, Stephanie Rodríguez, confirmed that freedom of expression does not justify symbolic violence or gender-based disqualifications. Noroña complied by deleting the videos entirely, as YouTube does not allow specific edits to existing publications. In a statement to the IEM, he denied any intimidation: "I emphasize that I have not committed any act of annoyance, harassment, or intimidation against Grecia Quiroz García." He asserted his comments were legitimate political criticism and that he will continue exercising his right to free speech. To media, he added: "They are trying to muzzle me" and accused Quiroz of political mudslinging with electoral motives, for denouncing Morena members like Leonel Godoy and Raúl Morón over Manzo's assassination.
Additional Context on the Assassination
Quiroz has insisted on a political motive in Manzo's homicide, presenting 11 videos on a USB to the Michoacán General Prosecutor's Office. These allegedly show prior complaints by Manzo against Godoy, Morón, and Ignacio Campos. Prosecutor Carlos Torres Piña clarified there is no formal complaint, only a request for investigation, and they will verify if the videos are AI-generated. Godoy dismissed the accusations as electoral in nature, linking them to Quiroz's 2027 gubernatorial ambitions, where Morón leads polls.
Quiroz challenged the accused to "show their faces" and offered to be investigated herself. Uruapan's City Hall backed the mayor, emphasizing that no immunity exempts from sanctions for gender violence.
