Mexican Man Who Made 'Slant-Eye' Racist Gesture at World Cup Eventually Apologizes

Netizens Debate: "A Courageous Act" vs "Not Sincere"

A Mexican man who sparked controversy by making a slant-eye gesture at a Korean YouTuber filming at the 2026 North American World Cup stadium has publicly apologized.

A Mexican man committed an act of racial discrimination against a Korean female YouTuber at the 2026 North American World Cup stadium, causing controversy. Photo captured from Inonyang social networking service (SNS).

On June 14, Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, president of the Surveying and Geomatics Engineers Association of Jalisco, Mexico (CITGEJ), posted a video and message on his Instagram account, apologizing to the Korean influencer involved and to internet users worldwide.

He stated, "In recent days, a video has spread online and prompted various reactions. I sincerely regret everything related to this video." He continued, "I have reflected on what happened and believe I must take responsibility. I acknowledge the discomfort I caused and want to express my sincere apology in a clear way." Bernal added, "I have always lived respecting others, and I will strive to continue doing so in the future."

Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, president of the Surveying and Geomatics Engineers Association of Jalisco, Mexico (CITGEJ), posted a video and message on his Instagram apologizing to the Korean influencer who suffered racial discrimination and to internet users worldwide. Instagram capture

Internet users who watched the video commented, "Admitting one's mistakes is the mark of a wise person," "Those who know us understand this incident does not define you," "Cheering you on," and "I support you." However, some expressed criticism, saying, "It is obvious he is just reading a forced apology," "This is not a genuine apology," "That behavior is not a mistake, but a deeply rooted attitude, so an apology is meaningless," and "He could have apologized on the spot, but only did so after his identity was revealed online."

Meanwhile, the Korean influencer who suffered racial discrimination left a comment on the social networking service (SNS) of Professor Seo Kyung-Duk of Sungshin Women's University, who had called for Bernal's public apology, stating, "Thank you to everyone who expressed concern," and "I am staying safe in Mexico."

Previously, during the group stage first match between Korea and the Czech Republic at the Mexico Zapopan Guadalajara Stadium, a Korean YouTuber was filming a video capturing the moving atmosphere following the Korean team's victory. Bernal, who was seated behind Inonyang, made mocking hand gestures and laughed while performing the slant-eye gesture. This gesture, commonly known as the 'Slant Eye,' is regarded as one of the most representative acts of racial discrimination against East Asians.

This incident has drawn global attention and controversy. The Mexican regional media outlet Politico revealed that the perpetrator was President Bernal. The Surveying and Geomatics Engineers Association of Mexico told foreign media, "We immediately convened the Honor and Justice Committee on the day of the incident, and President Bernal will be removed from his position."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.