In a move that put an end to the constant speculation surrounding Ramadan prank shows each year, Egyptian actor Maged El Masry the debate about whether the artists and guests were aware of the nature of the prank they would be subjected to on the show "Ramez Level the Monster" before filming. These statements shed light on the behind-the-scenes workings of one of the most-watched and controversial programs in the Arab world.

Majed Al-Masri's confessions: Partial knowledge and a real injury

In recent media statements, Maged El Masry revealed the details of his participation, confirming that the element of surprise wasn't entirely absent, but it wasn't complete either. El Masry explained, "I knew from the beginning that I was going on a show hosted by Ramez Galal, but I didn't know any details about the nature of the prank or what would happen inside it.".

Al-Masry pointed out that knowing the host's identity didn't prevent physical harm, confirming the prank's violence and seriousness at certain points. He added, "Ramez drove me crazy, and I was actually injured, but thank God it passed without further incident." Regarding his relationship with Ramez Galal after the prank, Al-Masry emphasized the depth of their friendship, saying, "Ramez is like a little brother to me, and we've always been colleagues and friends," which explains the guests' acceptance of the difficult situations they face.

The phenomenon of Ramez Galal's programs: A history of controversy and success

Ramez Galal's prank shows have been a Ramadan staple for many years, evolving year after year in terms of scale and production value. Viewers are always divided between those who believe these shows are merely pre-arranged performances and those who genuinely believe the celebrities' spontaneous reactions. Maged El Masry's comments attempt a middle ground, asserting that while the guest may know the host's identity, they remain unaware of the "terrifying scenario" that awaits them, thus preserving the authenticity of the reactions stemming from fear and surprise.

List of victims of "Ramez Level the Monster"

This season of "Ramez Level the Monster" features a wide array of stars from the worlds of art and sports in Egypt and the Arab world, reflecting the program's immense popularity and its ability to attract big names despite the harshness of the pranks. Among the most prominent names who fell victim to Ramez's pranks this year are:

• Stars of the arts: Ahmed El Sakka, Ghada Adel, Ghada Abdel Razek, Diab, Ahmed Malek, Asmaa Galal, Caroline Azmy, Rahma Mohsen, Mustafa Gharib, Liqaa El Khamissi, Samah Anwar, and Shaimaa Seif.
• Sports stars: Egyptian national team star Zizo, Al-Ahly club star Yasser Ibrahim, and sports critic Omar Al-Dardiri.
• Popular singing stars: Singer Hamo Beka.

The question remains open every year about the limits of humor and danger in this type of program, but the record viewership numbers confirm that it is still the main entertainment meal for the Arab viewer after breakfast.

Hind Saeed Saleh, daughter of the late Egyptian comedy legend Saeed Saleh, expressed her deep resentment and anger at what she described as a systematic smear campaign targeting her recently. She faced harsh accusations of "disrespect" and of tarnishing her father's image. This came after social media users circulated statements attributed to her, taken out of context, concerning her father's religious observance and performance of prayers.

The truth about the fragmented statements

In a decisive response via her official Facebook account, Hind clarified that the uproar was based on misinformation, stating, "I was surprised by a widely circulated image from an anonymous page containing excerpts from a previous interview I gave." She emphasized that the original statement was from an interview she conducted in 2024, where she spoke candidly about the spiritual and psychological transformation her father underwent during his imprisonment. She pointed out that this ordeal led him to draw closer to God, contrary to the claims made by some that he did not pray.

A barrage of insults and a message to the critics

The late artist's daughter revealed the psychological distress she suffered as a result of these rumors, confirming that she was subjected to a barrage of insults and false accusations of being a "disobedient daughter" who was exposing her father after his death. Visibly moved, she commented, "Only God knows the intentions, and He knows the extent of my love for my father, the depth of my grief, and the unwavering longing I feel for him, no matter how many years pass." She addressed her attackers with a scathing message: "Thank you for the free favors, and I remind you that there is no barrier between the supplication of the wronged and God.".

Saeed Saleh... an icon that will never fade

This controversy serves to highlight the immense place Saeed Saleh holds in the hearts of Arab audiences. The late actor was not merely a passing figure; he was a cornerstone in shaping the consciousness of Egyptian and Arab comedy during the second half of the 20th century. His plays, particularly "Madraset El Moshaghbeen" (School of Mischief) and "El Eyal Kebret" (The Kids Have Grown Up), marked a historical turning point in comedic theater, establishing a school of thought based on improvisation and quick wit, which allowed him to reign supreme in comedy for many years.

An artistic influence that spans generations

The "Sultan of Comedy" passed away in 2014 at the age of 74 from a heart attack, leaving behind a vast artistic legacy of over 500 works spanning cinema, theater, and television. Among his most memorable films are "Salam Ya Sahby" (Peace Be Upon You, My Friend), "Al Mashbouh" (The Suspect), and "Al Halafout" (The Scoundrel), the latter co-starring his longtime collaborator Adel Imam. Saeed Saleh's life, with its successes, failures, and personal moments, remains a rich source of fascination for the public, who continue to engage with everything related to him with love and curiosity. This explains the extreme sensitivity surrounding any statements that touch upon his personal life.