Arab celebrities are under fire for attending the Riyadh season amid the Gaza war
Photo credit: Al Qahira 24.
Arab social media users took to their various platforms to express their disapproval as several celebrities attended Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh season amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The controversy first erupted after Egyptian actor Mohammed Sallam announced his withdrawal from his role in Zawag Estena’i (Artificial Marriage), a play being performed at the Mohammed Al Aaly Theater as part of Riyadh Season, Saudi’s premier winter entertainment event should. in view of the rising death toll among Palestinians since the outbreak of war on October 7th.
Respected artist, human Mohamed Salam… All greetings and respect for your humanity ❤️❤️
Livelihood is in the hands of our Lord and our Lord will honor you pic.twitter.com/8wNXveHSA2
— Ga3Fa☈ (@thegaafar) October 24, 2023
In a widely shared video, Salam told his followers that he could not in good conscience carry out his role while “our brothers and sisters are being murdered in Palestine.”
The 39-year-old actor further explained that he hoped that the Riyadh season would be postponed, but when it became clear that the event would take place on time, he could not have remained silent.
His position sparked mixed emotions, with many users praising his “courage” to risk his career to support Palestinians and raise awareness of the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Hala Shiha, Iman Al Assi, Maram Abo Ouf and other entertainment figures also praised Sallam for his position.
However, the video was also criticized by Mohamed Amin, Tamer Abdelmoniem and late night TV host Amr Adeeb, who accused Sallam of virtue signaling and his colleagues who chose to remain professional and fulfill their acting responsibilities indirectly to be put in a bad light.
As the death toll in Gaza and the intensity of Israeli-led attacks grow, the fourth edition of the Riyadh Season is under fire, with many comparing pro-Palestinian protests in Western countries to the celebratory atmosphere in Riyadh.
British Jews stand with Palestine but Arab Muslims don’t and celebrate in Riyadh season pic.twitter.com/5diziYojYG
– Inuwashi – Shaher 🇵🇸 (@TensaZangets3) October 31, 2023
Photos of Egyptian celebrities such as Mohammed Henedy, Ahmed Ezz, Ashraf Abdel Ba’i, Baioumi Fouad and others appeared on X after a gala dinner on the evening of October 29 as part of the opening of Saudi Arabia’s state-sponsored festival Night. In response, several users expressed their displeasure and criticized participants for what they perceived as hypocrisy and insensitivity.
On the other hand, several users posted posts in favor of Saudi Arabia and the Riyadh season, highlighting the kingdom’s historic role in supporting the Palestinian cause and accusing critics of targeting Saudi Arabia during this difficult time.
Very logical words from a fair person about what #SaudiArabia and the #Riyadh season have to endure due to a very serious attack and betrayal due to the #Palestine issue and the events in #Gaza. pic.twitter.com/3CVdn5Y55d
— Saad Shaiban MBS (@SAAD84_) October 30, 2023
Live updates on the war on Gaza: Israeli airstrikes injure 21 people at Al-Quds Hospital in Blinken, Israel
Subscribe to our newsletter
Comments are closed.