The Syrian singer, George Wassouf, refuted to Arabstoday claims that he fled Beirut under threats from the Syrian opposition after he declared his support for the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. He said sarcastically: “Where have they got this satirical play from, which has become like a jug of oil (sic)? Whenever they need to fill their pages they rush to fabricate news. I gave my word, I have the freedom to do so and no one will be able force me to change my political position.” Wassouf also added that he was against terrorism and the killing of civilians under the pretext of freedom and liberation. He added: “I did not and will never change my word or stance.”