"Kissing is not a Crime" .. Ragheb Alama Responds to Being Banned from Singing in Egypt

The Lebanese artist Ragheb Alama said, commenting on the crisis of being banned from singing in Egypt, that he does not regret his actions during his recent concert in the North Coast, and that if he could turn back time, he would do the same thing again, emphasizing that he cannot stop a fan from coming up on stage.

He affirmed that kissing is not a crime, and there is no law that prohibits hugs or the audience expressing their feelings towards the artist.

During a live interview with the head of the Egyptian Musicians Syndicate, Mustafa Kamel, on the program "Details" on Sada Elbalad channel on Wednesday evening, Alama expressed his shock at being banned from singing in Egypt, describing it as a "artistic execution" for him, pointing out that Egypt is his second home, and it would have been more appropriate for the syndicate to investigate the organizing party of the concert, which allowed the audience to come up on stage, instead of punishing him personally.

On his part, Mustafa Kamel expressed his strong anger at the artist's behavior during the concert, stating that the hugs and kisses on stage were provocative and contrary to Egyptian values and customs. He added, questioning: "If we remain silent about this, will we turn theaters into festivals of kisses and hugs? This is completely unacceptable, and Egypt is not a place for such behavior".

Kamel confirmed that the syndicate has decided to suspend Ragheb Alama's work permit in Egypt and summon him for questioning at the syndicate's headquarters, due to what he described as "disgraceful behavior" that does not reflect Egypt's artistic values.

He explained in an official statement that what happened goes against the norms and traditions accepted within Egyptian society, and it will not be allowed to happen again under any circumstances.

In conclusion, Mustafa Kamel expressed his respect for the Musicians Syndicate in Lebanon and the Lebanese people, but he emphasized that Egyptian theaters must remain respectable, with no place for scenes that provoke disgust or tarnish authentic Arab art, according to him.