Colombian presidential candidate ordered to apologize for sexist remarks, journalist harassment

Colombian presidential hopeful Abelardo de la Espriella has been ordered by a judge to issue a public apology for making sexist remarks and harassing a journalist. The ruling came after de la Espriella claimed women voted for him because of his physical appeal and displayed a provocative photograph on his phone. The image, later shared on social media, showed the businessman and lawyer in tight pants with a visible bulge. He then allegedly pressured a female journalist to comment on the photo, using phrases like "come closer and tell me what you see there" and "don't be ashamed." The judge condemned his actions, citing their "explicit sexual undertone" and their reinforcement of discriminatory historical stereotypes against women. The journalist involved described feeling "harassed and disgusted" by his behavior, calling it a "complete lack of respect." De la Espriella did issue an apology via social media but characterized the incident as a "joke." Despite facing criticism for various homophobic and sexist statements during his campaign, he secured the most votes in the first round of elections, with 44 percent, leading to a runoff election.

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come closer and tell me what you see there