Egyptian MP Mahmoud al-Menoufy submitted a request to the Prime Minister, the Minister of State for Information, and the Chairman of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, demanding the suspension of Ramez Galal’s latest controversial prank show “Ramez Level the Monster.”
Menoufy asserted that the program promotes violence, bullying, and physical and psychological abuse, alongside undermining societal values.
The media’s true purpose should be to disseminate enlightened thought, he said, and not to revel in humiliating and bullying others – including Egyptian women.
Ramez Galal has once again become the subject of much controversy following outrage over actress Asmaa Galal’s episode, which many viewers complained was inappropriate behavior.
In response to the controversy, the National Council for Women (NCW) announced its categorical rejection of any work that incites and encourages abuse against women, diminishes their dignity, or perpetuates negative stereotypes that undermine their status and fundamental role in society.
Official statement from lawyer’s office
The office of lawyer Nehad Abul-Qumsan, the attorney of Asmaa Galal, issued an official statement clarifying that his client participated in the filming as part of a prank entertainment program which relies on the element of surprise.
However, the statement noted that Asmaa Galal was not informed in advance about the additional audio content added during the editing process.
The added audio featured verbal harassment and suggestive physical and personal remarks that were offensive and had no connection whatsoever to the prank or show itself.
According to the statement, the episode crossed the line of acceptable humor and artistic criticism, particularly when it targeted Asmaa Galal’s appearance or personal attributes.
The statement stressed that participation in an artistic or entertainment work does not imply acceptance of personal insults or ridicule.
The attorney for Asmaa Galal announced the initiation of legal proceedings to review the episode’s compliance with the Penal Code and media regulations.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
