The U.K.’s former ambassador to Mexico, Jon Benjamin, left his post earlier this year after a video surfaced of him pointing a gun at local colleagues at the embassy in Mexico City. Mr. Benjamin’s attempt at what seems to be a badly misplaced joke cost him dearly, as he is no longer listed as the ambassador to Mexico online. Although the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (F.C.D.O.) has made no official comment on Mr. Benjamin’s position, the government’s official website lists him as being posted “between 2021 and 2024,” insinuating his removal.

The only comment from the U.K.’s F.C.D.O. on the incident was from a spokesperson, who said that the office is “aware of this incident and have taken appropriate action.” Mr. Benjamin himself has also refrained from any comment, despite having been active on social media before his firing. The original video of the incident, published by The Financial Times, demonstrates the ambassador waving a gun around while seated in a car as he points at several other embassy workers. Though perhaps meant to be a joke, many were outraged at the ambassador’s lightheartedness in the context of thousands of murders by drug cartels around Mexico, and the fact that having a gun is illegal in the country.

Ambassadors play a vital role in international relations and in maintaining trust and cooperation between states. While most ambassadors are more reserved and private, Mr. Benjamin tended to interact directly with the public, whether through social media or public statements. This manner of conducting diplomacy can be effective but still requires the ambassador to have a certain level of respect for the hosting country and an understanding of its culture and issues. In this case, Mr. Benjamin demonstrated a complete lack of awareness that not only ended his tenure but created unnecessary tension between the U.K. and Mexico. In a country grappling with cartel violence and illegal firearms, which kill thousands of people per year, pointing one of these guns at your coworkers is not considered a joke — especially when an influential politician does it.

Mexico has grappled with escalating gun violence in recent years, driven primarily by intense conflicts among powerful drug cartels. This surge in violence has led to high homicide and kidnapping rates, affecting numerous regions across the country but especially in Sinaloa and Durango states up North, which is where Mr. Benjamin was at the time of his video. Government efforts to curb the violence have included sending military forces, but these have often been met with limited success. The proliferation of illegal firearms, oftentimes crossing over the border from the United States, exacerbates the situation, contributing to the persistent instability and fear within Mexico. Newly elected President Claudia Sheinbaum will be hoping to make progress on these problems.

Former U.K. Ambassador to Mexico Jon Benjamin demonstrated exactly how a diplomat should not act, especially when in the public eye. Respectful and informed diplomacy is a pillar of the international system, and even seemingly small incidents such as this can greatly damage relationships. Going forward, diplomats must know their roles and continue to foster understanding of their host countries.