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Digital Phablet – Lebanese vocalist Ragheb Alama has addressed the public for the first time following a controversial incident involving a fan who kissed him in a manner that has incited considerable backlash on social media.
The Egyptian Musicians Syndicate has opted to suspend him from performances and has summoned him for an inquiry, citing what they termed as “shameful conduct” during his recent concert on Egypt’s North Coast.
Ragheb Alama clarified that a photo circulating online, which triggered significant controversy, was taken from an unflattering angle that appeared to show the female fan kissing him on the lips. However, he asserts that this interpretation is misleading.
Lebanese artist Ragheb Alama from North Coast party in Egypt. (Instagram)
In a phone interview with the “Studio Extra” program on the “Extra News” channel, he remarked: “The shared image did not depict the situation accurately. The fan wasn’t Egyptian; she was simply thrilled about the concert and wanted to convey her excitement. The angle of the camera made it seem as though she kissed me, but that’s not what transpired. She merely embraced me unexpectedly.”
He continued, “I show the same warmth to all my fans, regardless of gender. I don’t turn anyone away or make them feel uncomfortable. My philosophy doesn’t involve offending or dismissing my audience. What occurred should be addressed by the concert organizers; they should have facilitated the interaction properly or even set up protective measures, jokingly suggesting, “They should consider installing barbed wire.”