The name of Lebanese superstar Ragheb Alama has recently gone viral due to a so-called “kiss incident” during one of his concerts in Egypt’s North Coast. A female fan unexpectedly climbed on stage and appeared to kiss the artist, which led Egypt’s Musicians’ Syndicate, headed by Mostafa Kamel, to summon Alama for questioning and impose a temporary ban on his performances in the country.
Outpouring of Support from Lebanon
The incident sparked a strong wave of solidarity in Lebanon, particularly among Alama’s fans and fellow artists. Many expressed outrage over the reaction in Egypt, asserting that the singer should not be held accountable for the unprompted actions of an overenthusiastic fan.
Professor Basyouni voiced his support on social media, saying:
“Ragheb Alama is not to blame for the reckless behavior of some girls or youth. He’s not responsible for the spread of hallucination pills or cultural decay. What we witnessed was a clear act of harassment against him on stage, not the other way around.”
Social Media Reacts: Humor and Criticism
Ragheb Alama himself clarified that he did not kiss the fan, claiming that the moment was misinterpreted due to camera angles. Many online users echoed this, comparing the controversy to a famous lyric by legendary Lebanese singer Sabah:
“We didn’t even kiss and they lost their minds… imagine if we did?”
Prominent media figure Samira Oshana referenced that line, while journalist Marc Bakhazi criticized the Egyptian Syndicate’s reaction, comparing it with past incidents involving Amr Diab:
“Ragheb is banned because a fan kissed him? Yet when Amr Diab slapped a fan and broke his teeth, there was no disciplinary action?”
Long Legacy Overshadowed
Supporters highlighted Ragheb Alama’s decades-long career, branding him as the “Artist of Love and Joy” and pointing out that his shows have always involved warm fan interaction.
Media personality Adel Samia stated:
“Ragheb should be honored, not punished. What happened was spontaneous, not planned, and the artist handled it with professionalism and class.”
He also questioned whether a single unplanned fan interaction could justify putting a halt to the career of a singer who has brought joy to generations across Lebanon, Egypt, and the Arab world.
Calls for Perspective and Reform
However, not all opinions were in Alama’s favor. Cultural critic and journalist Josephine Habshi took a different stance, urging Ragheb to tone down his “flirtatious” stage behavior, and calling on female fans to show more restraint.
She criticized artistic unions in the region, likening their disciplinary tone to that of “a strict school principal.”
Alama Responds Directly to Egyptian Syndicate
In a bid to ease tensions, Ragheb Alama personally contacted Mostafa Kamel, sending him a private voice message, later referenced by the syndicate head. Alama said:
“Egypt is my second home, a land of legendary artists. As Arab performers, we have a shared responsibility to promote its tourism. I would never intentionally cause offense.”
He also swore that the incident was not intentional, and that the photo in question was misleading. He blamed the situation on poor stage security, expressing readiness to appear before the syndicate and resolve the matter face-to-face.
Mostafa Kamel welcomed Alama’s prompt outreach and praised his respectful attitude toward Egypt and its people, indicating that a resolution could be within reach.
Summary: The incident has stirred a wider debate on public decency, fan behavior, and the accountability of celebrities. Yet for many, Ragheb Alama remains a beloved artist, undeserving of censure for a moment beyond his control.