BEIRUT, 7 June 2006 — In response to circulating rumors that Nancy Ajram publicly insulted Syrians by refusing to hold any concerts in their country, the Lebanese singer held a press conference to clear her name and justify her position.
At the Sheraton Hotel in Syria’s capital amid a throng of journalists, Ajram stressed that she rarely addresses rumors against her but that this latest hearsay was too egregious to ignore. She flatly denied any ill will against Syria, a sister Arab nation, or its people. Calling the people who started this rumor “sick”, Ajram dared anyone who made the allegation to her face.
After pandering to her Syrian fans for a few minutes, Ajram suggested that the rumors might have started over a row she had with Syrian singer George Wassouf during a televised interview. At the conference, Ajram urged Wassouf to come to her defense over alleged anti-Syrian comments she has been accused of making.
She added that this rumor might have been floated in an attempt to ruin her upcoming performance in Syria, a country she said is close to her heart.