The past few hours have witnessed a significant development in the case that has recently captivated Egyptian public opinion, as the competent judicial authorities decided to release blogger and broadcaster Dalia Fouad in connection with the case known in the media as the "GHB date-drug" case. This decision came after a series of legal procedures and a review of the details of the verdict and the evidence attached to the case file.

The grounds for the verdict and acquittal on charges of trafficking

The First Settlement Criminal Court (Circuit 20) had previously sentenced Dalia Fouad to only one year in prison for drug use , while acquitting her completely of the more serious charge of possessing GHB with intent to distribute. The court based its acquittal on the insufficiency of evidence proving the defendant's involvement in promoting or selling these substances, which drastically altered the course of the case in her favor.

Background of the case and moment of arrest

The incident dates back to an earlier time when security forces arrested the broadcaster at her villa in the First Settlement area of ​​New Cairo. Initial investigations at the time revealed the discovery of quantities of substances suspected to be narcotics, including gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), hashish, and pregabalin. The Public Prosecution initially charged her with possession of these substances with intent to distribute, a charge later refuted by the final investigations and the court ruling.

What is GHB and why is it controversial?

This case gained significant media attention due to its connection to GHB , known globally as the "date rape drug." This substance is a central nervous system depressant, and its danger lies in its colorless and odorless nature, making it easy to slip into drinks without the victim's knowledge. It causes temporary loss of consciousness and amnesia, making it a common tool in sexual assault crimes worldwide. Egyptian authorities are striving to tighten controls on the distribution of this substance due to its social and security risks.

Legal and social dimensions of the ruling

The verdict in Dalia Fouad's case affirms the Egyptian judiciary's commitment to rigorous standards of justice, clearly distinguishing between drug use and trafficking. While trafficking penalties can reach life imprisonment or the death penalty, drug use penalties are less severe and often aim at rehabilitation. The decision to release her after serving her sentence or fulfilling legal procedures reflects respect for the rights of defendants when they are found innocent of the serious charges, while maintaining legal accountability regarding the drug use charge for which she was convicted.

Lebanese star Nancy Ajram has put an end to the recent controversy on social media platforms that linked her name to the promotion of Freemasonry through symbols used in the music video for her song "Sidi Ya Sidi." Nancy categorically denied these accusations, asserting that the claims are completely baseless and have no connection to reality, and that the artwork does not contain any hidden meanings as some have suggested.

Strategy for dealing with rumors

In an interview with the program "ET Bil Arabi," Nancy Ajram explained her philosophy on dealing with the rumors that constantly plague her as one of the most prominent stars in the Arab world. She indicated that she usually adopts a policy of ignoring them, believing that responding to every rumor might give it more importance than it deserves. However, she emphasized that her silence has its limits, and that she is forced to break her silence and respond directly when these rumors cross red lines or harm her reputation and dignity.

Professional crisis management

The Lebanese artist explained that she doesn't concern herself with following every detail written about her, as she has delegated this task to a professional and specialized team that monitors what is circulating in the media and on social media. This team assesses the situation, and if necessary, takes the appropriate decision, whether through a media clarification or by resorting to legal action to pursue those spreading false news, reflecting a high level of professionalism in managing her public image.

The truth about the private party and the legal action

In a related development, Nancy Ajram's media office issued a strongly worded statement denying reports that she attended a controversial private party with a group of celebrities. The statement asserted that dragging Nancy's name into such matters is a desperate attempt devoid of any factual basis. The office emphasized that these reports are part of a systematic campaign aimed at damaging the artist's reputation, and announced that it has begun taking legal action against anyone found to be involved in publishing or promoting these false claims.

The tax of fame and conspiracy theories

This incident comes within a broader context plaguing the global and Arab art scene, where artistic symbols and set designs used in visual works are often misinterpreted and linked to conspiracy theories or secret societies like Freemasonry. Nancy Ajram, with her long artistic career and beloved image that appeals to all age groups, is a frequent target of such unsubstantiated interpretations, reflecting the darker side of fame in the age of open skies and the rapid spread of misinformation.

The importance of combating fake news

Nancy Ajram's legal action carries significant implications that extend beyond this individual case, as it reinforces the principle of responsibility and accountability in the digital sphere. With the proliferation of "trending" phenomena based on fabricated scandals, resorting to the judiciary becomes an urgent necessity to protect the personal rights of artists. This firm stance underscores that freedom of expression does not mean violating the privacy of others or fabricating accusations against them, potentially serving as a future deterrent to rumor-mongers.

Egyptian screenwriter and artist Amr Mahmoud Yassin broke his silence to strongly defend star Yasmine Abdel Aziz, following the widespread controversy that recently arose on social media platforms regarding the cancellation of the opening credits of the series “We Forget What Was,” which is scheduled to compete in the upcoming Ramadan season. This coincided with singer Rami Sabry’s apology for not performing the song.

The reality of interference in technical decisions

In a decisive clarification of the behind-the-scenes workings, Amr Mahmoud Yassin asserted that attempts to hold Yasmine Abdel Aziz responsible for artistic and production decisions are completely untrue. He emphasized that television drama production is a complex process that relies on teamwork, where the writer, director, producer, and specialized technical departments all participate in decision-making. He denied that decisions are subject to individual whims or the absolute authority of the star of the show.

Background of the collaboration and the importance of the upcoming work

The series “We Forget What Was” is gaining special importance in the anticipated Ramadan season, as it witnesses the return of the successful artistic collaboration between Yasmine Abdel Aziz and screenwriter Amr Mahmoud Yassin, as well as star Karim Fahmy, the trio that achieved overwhelming popular success in the series “We Love Again, Why?” in 2020. This previous success has placed the new work under the microscope of criticism and anticipation even before its airing, which makes any change in its artistic elements, such as the “title credits,” a rich topic for public discussion.

Settling scores and social media pressure

Yassin indicated that the attacks against Yasmine fall under the category of "settling scores," explaining the difficult position an artist faces: whether to respond to rumors or ignore them. In his defense, he said, "We're not amateurs; we work, and everyone respects their role and expertise. We consult with each other to reach the best decisions for the project." He considered the attack on the lead actress to be, in essence, an attack on the entire artistic project, praising Yasmine's ability to confront these crises with her characteristic wit and humor.

The importance of Ramadan series opening credits

TV series theme songs are an integral part of Ramadan culture in Egypt and the Arab world, playing a significant role in marketing the show and attracting viewers from the very beginning. Therefore, any change in the singer or the replacement of the song with a soundtrack or other format often raises questions from the audience, especially when it involves big names in the music and acting worlds.

The cast and crew of the series "Let's Forget What Was"

The series boasts a stellar cast, including Yasmine Abdel Aziz and Karim Fahmy, alongside Mohamed Lotfy, Sherine Reda, Menna Fadali, Edward, Ingy Kiwan, Elham Wagdy, Omar Sharqi, Cynthia Khalifa, Mahmoud Hafez, and Laila Ezz El Arab. Written by Amr Mahmoud Yassin and directed by Mohamed Khibiri, the series is expected to be a major contender in the upcoming Ramadan drama season.