Sexual harassment become artists “Phobia” With the changing stereotypes of Arab women in media today, it seemed that female celebrities were growing accustomed to their fans’ flirtatious behaviours, many deeming them as flattering. But what was once considered as a compliment has now become a growing fear for these very stars, as these positive and playful attitudes slowly transform into sexual harassment
Egyptian actress Basma was the latest female to fall prey to this unfortunate incident as she attended a recent protest in Talaat Harb Square, Cairo. Accompanied by her politician husband, Amr Hamzawy, Basma was surprisingly still subjected to sexual harassment by two men during the protest. Although she refused to comment on the incident, her husband went on to state that this will not stop her from participating and expressing her opinion in the public domain.
A similar scene took place in Alexandria when Lebanese singer Marwa was attacked and abused on stage whilst performing in front of more than 2,000 people. However, like Basma, Marwa refused to comment on this occurrence despite her dismay. Lebanese actress Carmen, however, openly spoke about her experiences of being sexually abused and the distraught memories that followed. Subjected to sexual harassment at the mere age of 11 by her neighbour and then again by her father’s friend, led her to an unstable psychological state, especially since she was unable to speak to anyone about it.
“I am now very careful in dealing with men” Carmen articulates, “Before entering any relationship; I have to be absolutely certain that this individual loves me as a human and not a sexual instrument.”
Such stories of sexual harassment are becoming a regular trait amongst many male \"fans\" making it more and more difficult for women in media to feel secure and safe. Though immediate and long term actions need to be taken by authorities in order to attempt to annihilate this, it is also vital to look into why such behaviour is being perpetuated. Until then however, we can only but hope that ideologies towards women will, one day, definitely change.