via Think Marketing Magazine
In the past, Ramadan shows have sparked a wave of criticism due to their focus on violence and drugs and the blatant use of slurs and sexual references, believed to be inappropriate for television broadcasting, let alone during the Holy month. However, a counterargument exists defending the freedom of expression through art, especially since it sheds light on preexisting issues.
This debate was settled by implementing a rating system for shows: suitable for all, for those over 15, and not appropriate for viewers under 18 years. In addition, shows rated as 18+ were broadcast after 10 PM to limit children’s exposure to their content.
When The Radio and Television Union proposed this monitoring tool, they didn’t expect the storm of controversies and feuds to come; here is a handful of what went down in Ramadan of 2014!
Backlash
Gamal Abdel Soliman
via Almasr Alyoum
Syrian actor Gamal Soliman’s role as former president Gamal Abdel Nasser in Sadeeq Al Omr received harsh criticism on social media. However, with a show based on a former president of Egypt, the only prerequisite for the role should be a proper Egyptian dialect, which the actor failed miserably to deliver.
A Royal Disgrace
via CNN Arabic
In a historical template, Saraya Abdeen took place during Khedive Ismail’s rule of Egypt. The show’s budget was the largest of the year due to the cost of historical clothes, decorations, and accessories. However, a statement by King Ahmed Fouad II, a descendant from the family of Mohamed Ali Pasha and former ruler, claimed the show to be an insult to the memory of the Khedive.
Tilt Your TV
via Almada Paper
Director Mohamed Samy’s attempt to continue his successful run of hit shows with Haifa Wehbe’s Kalam 3ala Wara2 was in vain after his public feud with Ghada Abdelrazik. In addition, his supposedly artistic slanting frame and deliberate camera vibration caused significant distress to the audience.
Enough Already
via Facebook
The persistence in reprising characters because of their previous success is a double-edged sword. For example, Mustafa Shaaban playing the same womaniser in Doctor Amrad Nessa, as every other year, had viewers fed up in 2013. Moreover, Mohamed Saad’s comeback with successful comic characters Atata and Lemby in Viva Attata received mixed reviews, unlike Ahmed Mekky’s fourth season of Al Kebeer Awi, where he reprised his iconic role of Hazal2oum and was welcomed with open arms.
A Knock Off
via Facebook
Youssef Al Sherif’s shows have become a trademark of Ramadan following his four-year run of hit shows. With that said, accusations by viewers that Al Sayad was taken from the series The Mentalist arose all over social media. These allegations were denied by the show’s writer Amr Samir Atef who claimed he’s never seen a single scene of the show.
Feuds
Amr Mostafa v. Hend Sabry
via YouTube
Before giving us the infamous Fi Ramadan meme, composer Amr Mostafa attacked Hend Sabry for her role in Imbratoreyet Mein?. He argued that the show misrepresented Egypt’s current state and that if she has a problem with the country, she should first look to her home country, Tunisia.
Laila Ghofran v. Mohamed Ramadan
via Elfann
On live TV, Moroccan artist Laila Ghofran attacked Ramadan for his latest work in Ibn Halal, claiming they exploited her daughter’s murder for money and fame. She even threatened to sue him because of the psychological impact the show afflicted on her by giving the killer a redemption arc on the show.
Susan Tamim’s Father v. Dolly Shahin
via Alaraby
In a similar vein, the father of the late actress Susan Tamim attacked Dolly Shahin for portraying his daughter’s life story in Al Moraf3a.
Controversial Comments
“Hijab Is a Pandemic”
via YouTube
In an episode of Samar Yousry’s Al Leila, director Inas Al Degheidy’s comments raised many eyebrows because of her stance on legalising brothels in Egypt and claims that hijabis suffer from psychological disturbances and the spread of hijabs is like a pandemic.
“Prank Shows Are Fake”
via Facebook
Bassem Samra confirmed that celebrities are informed of pranks before signing the deal to be on the show, emphasising that Ramez Galal had him pretend not to know what was happening while shooting his Ramadan episode.
“Ramez Galal Filmed My Lower Body”
via Dailymotion
In an episode of the previously mentioned fabricated show, Ramez Ersh Al Bahr, actress Athar Al Hakim claimed to have had her lower body filmed underwater without her consent. She even sued Ramez for one million pounds as compensation for the moral and physical distress she suffered and demanded to get her episode off the screens.
“Hijab Is to Counteract Sexual Harassment”
via Palsawa
Ibrahim Eissa, known for stirring up conflict, makes it on the list after his statement about the hijab and the torment of the grave, claiming that the latter is non-existent and has been told to scare people away from sin. He then added that verses about the hijab in the Holy Quran were added because of the spread of sexual harassment in that city at the time.
