JEDDAH, 15 March 2004 — The Lebanese show Star Academy has sparked a vicious debate among different groups throughout the Middle East over moral issues surrounding the program.
Sheikh Saleh Al-Luhaidan, a legal consultant at the Ministry of Justice, has described the popular show aired on Lebanese satellite channel LBC as an indecent program which aimed to destroy the values of Islam and the minds of young people.
Speaking after the controversial show began drawing a larger audience from the Arab world, Al-Luhaidan said that these types of programs harmed Arab traditions and values.
“They are in contradiction with our habits and with the principles of Islam. It is shameful to see such young people from various Arab countries living together in one place where they compete in a talent show,” he said.
During a Friday sermon, Sheikh Saad Al-Zahrani, imam of Al-Faisaliyah Mosque, denounced the shamelessness and decadence of Star Academy and called on Muslims to boycott it.
“These shows are aimed at distorting our Islamic values and ethics. We are asking parents to prevent their children from watching anything which skirts some of the taboos involving young men and women in the Middle East,” he noted.
Star Academy, based on a French show, has gathered 16 Arabs to share a house in the north of Beirut and is televised live 24 hours a day on LBC as they attend sports, singing, dancing and acting lessons. The show has been very popular among Saudis and other Arabs during its weekly prime time segment.
Mansour Hasnawi, a 22-year-old, said, “I am a big fan of Star Academy, and I have not missed any segments since it was introduced last December. The show gives those young people an opportunity to express themselves and show their talents.”
His friend Hussam agreed and said he supported shows that give young people the opportunity to develop their talents. “It is so interesting to see them in the Arab world, but I think we are still not ready to accept them,” he added. The show has been the major subject of debate on many websites, too.
Recently, the Arab version of the hit reality TV program Big Brother was suspended by the Middle East Broadcasting Center, MBC, after continuous protests in Bahrain where the show was being filmed. Twelve male and female contestants were living in a villa to compete for a $100,000 prize. MBC announced a loss of $6 million after the cancellation.
