The release of the first episode of Bloodline during the current Ramadan season sparked a major controversy and widespread debate. Many viewers accused writer Nadine Jaber of stealing the concept for the series from a real-life story of a Lebanese woman who previously shared her case in the media. The accusation stems from the fact that Jaber did not seek permission from the woman or acknowledge her story.
This controversy gained traction after the real-life protagonist, a Lebanese woman named Greta Zghbi, appeared on TikTok. Zghbi had previously shared her journey of searching for her biological parents after discovering that the people who raised her were not her biological family. In her comments, she expressed frustration over the adaptation of her life story into a TV series without her consent or prior involvement.
In response, Jaber did not ignore the backlash but instead focused on sharing the positive feedback about the show. Many viewers have expressed excitement over the events, praising Jaber’s writing and ideas, and insisting that it’s just the beginning of the story, making it premature to pass judgment before the entire series is aired.
While many activists praised the series and its cast, they expressed dissatisfaction with the apparent appropriation of Zghbi’s life story. They accused Jaber of exploiting her case and altering certain elements to avoid legal repercussions. On the other hand, a number of defenders argued that TV series often shine a light on societal issues and bring real stories to the screen through artistic storytelling. They suggested that Jaber could have been inspired by Zghbi’s experience and chose to transform it into a piece of art meant to deliver a message to the public.
Bloodline follows the story of a lawyer, Ghaliya Saad (played by Lebanese actress Maguy Bou Ghosn), who receives a call from her daughter’s school informing her that her daughter, Heya, has been hospitalized in a coma. It is later discovered that she suffers from thalassemia. Upon conducting medical tests involving the parents and grandparents, Ghaliya learns that her real parents are not who she thought they were, setting her on a journey to find her biological family.
The series features a stellar Lebanese cast, including Badi’ Abou Chakra, Bassam Maghnieh, Jessie Abdo, Wissam Fares, and Carol Abboud. The show is written by Nadine Jaber and directed by Philippe Asmar.
