Lebanese lady stands up to sexist comments by Islamist scholar

Taking the internet by storm, Lebanese TV host Rima Karaki during an interview stood up to a comment by London-based Islamist Hani Al-Siba'i: 'It is beneath me to be interviewed by you. You are a woman who…’ to which she retorted: 'Either there is mutual respect, or this conversation is over'

The interview was for Lebanon's Al Jadeed TV on the weekend of International Women’s Day. Karaki brought out the topic of Christians joining Islamic groups, to which Al-Siba'i repeatedly spoke of how common it has always been. While Siba'i went off on a historical tangent, Karaki tried to get the scholar to speak on the topic and current issues, asking him to 'focus on the present'.

In a fraction of a second Dr Al Siba’i turned angry, raised his voice and said: 'Listen, don't cut me off. I will answer as I please. I will not answer the way you like, because I’m here to serve the idea in which I believe.'

To which Rima Karaki riposted: ‘In this studio, I run the show.’

Al-Siba'i replied: 'Are you done? 'Shut up so I can talk. It's beneath me to be interviewed by you. You are a woman who...'

And that was when it seemed like the mic of Al-Siba'I was switched off and Karaki articulated: ‘‘Either there is mutual respect, or this conversation is over.’

• MENA
• MENA