The Egyptian actress Aya Samaha sparked a wave of controversy on social media in recent hours after she harshly criticized the retired actress Moshira Ismail, following the closure of a veterinary clinic in the Heliopolis district based on a complaint filed by Ismail with the relevant authorities.

Aya Samaha wrote on her official Facebook account expressing her astonishment at the influence of the veteran actress’s complaint, saying, "Who is this Moshira Ismail in life? She reports a veterinary clinic and the clinic is sealed with the animals inside?" She added that the clinic is licensed and its papers are in order, criticizing the closure decision and what she described as disregard for the lives of the animals inside the clinic.

Aya’s comment came after a distress post from one of the clinic’s owners on Facebook, who confirmed that the closure happened suddenly without providing alternative solutions. He said, "The district told us it doesn’t matter if the animals die, the important thing is that your neighbor, the actress Moshira Ismail, is not upset."

Moshira Ismail Responds: "The Clinic’s Activity is Illegal"

In her first response, Moshira Ismail explained during a phone interview on a TV program that she has lived in the same building for more than 42 years and was recently surprised by the conversion of the ground floor into what she described as a “dog hospital.” She pointed out that the building is residential and not designated for any commercial activity.

She added, “The dogs inside the clinic are abnormal, one dog is as big as a small cow, and this violates residential building regulations. I filed complaints with the official authorities over a month ago without clear response,” emphasizing that what she did was enforcing the law, not a personal attack.

Harsh Reply to Aya Samaha

Regarding Aya Samaha’s criticisms, Moshira said, “I don’t know her and have never met her. Her words are hurtful and reflect her personality. What does wearing the hijab have to do with animals? We are hijabi and we love animals, raising birds and dogs. But she speaks out of ignorance, and I won’t file a lawsuit because she is an obscure personality.”

The Syndicate Considers Revoking Aya Samaha’s Work Permit

Dr. Ashraf Zaki, head of the Actors’ Syndicate, announced that the syndicate council will hold an emergency meeting to consider revoking Aya Samaha’s work permit, following complaints about her offensive remarks against the veteran actress Moshira Ismail, stressing that the council rejects any insult to the icons of Egyptian art.