Egypt bans singer after she mocks the Nile
CAIRO — A famous Arab singer has been banned from performing in her native Egypt after advising a fan against drinking from the Nile River, leaders of the local musicians union said Wednesday.
A video clip of a recent concert shows Sherine Abdel-Wahab, a singer widely known by her first name, telling a fan: “You are better off drinking Evian,” a reference to a French brand of mineral water.
The remark set social media ablaze, with some users calling it an insult to Egyptian national pride. Others said the real culprits are those who pollute the river.
“It’s unjustified ridicule and mockery of our dear Egypt,” a union statement said.