Sudden Developments: Promo for Maha El-Sagheer’s Show Deleted on Egyptian Channel

Sudden Developments: Promo for Maha El-Sagheer’s Show Deleted on Egyptian Channel
Maha El Saghir

Broadcast Halted for Program Previously Set to Be Hosted by Maha El Sagheer Channel Issues No Official Statement Explaining the Suspension

In a new development reflecting the escalating dimensions of an artistic and media controversy, the official social media page of an Egyptian TV channel deleted the promotional teaser for a program that was set to be launched soon, hosted by media personality Maha El Sagheer.

No official statement was released by the channel explaining the reason behind the removal, sparking numerous questions among followers and media observers.

Maha El Sagheer Faces Harsh Criticism

The deletion came after a wave of backlash against El Sagheer following her appearance on an episode of “Ma'akum Mona El Shazly,” during which she showcased several artworks and claimed them as her own. It was later revealed that some of the featured works belonged to international artists — most notably Danish visual artist Lisa Lach-Nielsen, who broke her silence, confirming her ownership of one of the pieces and describing the incident as a blatant violation of intellectual property rights.

Lach-Nielsen posted a photo of her original 2019 painting on Instagram, noting that it had been used in the episode without her permission — an act she described as an "assault on artists' rights."

Other artists soon joined the outcry, including French artist Cité and German artist Karoline Wendelin, who also confirmed that their work had appeared on the same episode without consent.

Affirming Respect for Artists’ Rights

In response, TV host Mona El Shazly issued an official clarification on her platforms, affirming her full respect for intellectual property and apologizing to Lach-Nielsen, who accepted the apology but called for further action to ensure protection of artists’ rights.

Amid the growing controversy, Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation announced the summoning of the legal representative of the broadcasting channel for a hearing regarding the airing of content without verifying intellectual ownership — a move that could lead to legal and administrative consequences.

Maha El Sagheer Issues Public Apology

For her part, Maha El Sagheer published a formal apology on Facebook, stating:

"I made a mistake against artist Lisa, against all artists, and against the platform I appeared on — but most of all, I wronged myself. Going through difficult personal circumstances doesn’t justify what happened. I’m sorry and disappointed in myself."

Despite the public apologies and clarifications, the controversy continues to cast a shadow over the future of the program, with viewers awaiting confirmation on whether the show will proceed as planned or if the teaser’s removal signals a delay or potential cancellation of the project.

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