Ragheb Alama, the Lebanese pop star, has found himself in hot water following a fan encounter at his recent concert in Egypt.

The Chief of the Music Syndicate in Egypt, Mostafa Kamel, announced that Alama has been temporarily banned from performing in the country, citing a violation of Egyptian customs and traditions during the incident.

Here’s a detailed look at what transpired and the aftermath of the surprising fan moment.

 

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The Incident at North Coast Concert

During his concert at Egypt’s North Coast, Ragheb Alama enjoyed a memorable moment when several fans took the opportunity to jump on stage for selfies with the singer.

However, one fan’s actions raised eyebrows. As the fan approached the singer, they managed to snap a selfie and, unexpectedly, kissed Alama on the lips. This moment, captured in a viral video, quickly became the center of controversy.

Mostafa Kamel’s Response

Mostafa Kamel, the head of Egypt’s Music Syndicate, wasted no time in addressing the situation. According to Kamel, Alama’s interaction with the fan violated Egyptian customs and traditions, which prompted the decision to suspend his work permit in the country pending further investigation.

Kamel’s statement came with a clear message: the union would not tolerate actions that clash with Egypt’s cultural values.

Alama’s Defense

In response to the backlash, Ragheb Alama clarified the situation in a phone interview. He addressed the viral video, stating that the angle at which it was filmed was misleading.

According to Alama, the fan did not kiss him on the lips, as some had claimed. He explained that the video was not an accurate reflection of the moment, and that it was important to consider the context in which the image was captured.

Alama also expressed frustration with the idea of controlling fan behavior. He mentioned that it was not his responsibility to prevent fans from interacting with him on stage.

His focus, he said, was on the performance itself and connecting with the audience, not on policing how fans express their admiration.

Public Reaction

The incident quickly sparked a heated debate on social media, with many expressing confusion and differing opinions.

While some sided with Mostafa Kamel and supported the ban, others defended Alama, suggesting that the incident was blown out of proportion.

Ragheb Alama Addresses False Claims

Amid the controversy, Ragheb Alama took to his social media accounts to issue a statement. He clarified that any claims suggesting he had made statements in support of the fan’s actions were false. Alama’s statement aimed to set the record straight, asserting that he had always respected Egypt’s customs and had no intention of disrespecting the country’s values.

The situation remains ongoing, with Alama’s work permit in Egypt currently suspended as investigations continue. The incident has left fans divided, with some questioning the severity of the response and others supporting the decision to uphold cultural traditions.

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