Cairo: Lebanese singing sensation Haifa Wehbe has raised the ire in Egypt after she wore shorts in a recent performance in the conservative country.
Images of Wehbe clad in the sultry outfits in a concert last week at the American University in Cairo went viral online drawing angry criticisms.
An Egyptian woman reportedly lodged a complaint with the Musicians’ Syndicate against the singer. The union ordered Wehbe to show up for an investigation. Her manager attended the probe on her behalf because she was tied up in engagements outside Egypt, according to the union.
“The syndicate warned the artist. Her manager promised compliance with regulations in her next concerts in Egypt,” the union’s spokesman, Tareq Murtada, said in a statement.
The Musicians’ Syndicate is responsible for licensing concerts in Egypt. The pop star, known for her controversial music videos, is scheduled to perform in a new concert in Egypt later this month.
Commenting on the uproar, Wehbe said in a tweet: “Has this become intentional after every successful appearance for me in Egypt?”
The furor comes a month after the Egyptian actors’ union banned Wehbe from appearing in local films and TV dramas over a complaint from Egyptian producer Mohammad Al Subki, who had accused her of violating a film contract with him. The union also ordered Wehbe to pay a hefty compensation to Al Subki in the same case.
In 2014, the Egyptian government halted the showing of an Egyptian-produced film starring Wehbe over alleged immorality.
Egypt, dubbed the Hollywood of the East, has long been a popular destination for entertainers from other Arab countries.
