Nicolas Mouawad attacks Fadl Shaker, then apologizes: "If there was a mistake, even by 1%, I am sorry."

Lebanese actor Nicola Mu’ad ignited controversy with sharp criticism directed at supporters of fellow artist Fadl Shaker, condemning attempts to rehabilitate Shaker's image without genuine accountability. In a social media post, Mu’ad argued: “A second chance is only for someone who has faced justice and shown real repentance—not for someone who took up arms against his country’s army.”
He justified his stance as stemming from “love and concern for his homeland and its military,” adding: “In another country, someone like that would be imprisoned—not releasing albums.” He ended his initial remarks with a blunt appeal: “Shame on you all,” fueling widespread reactions across platforms.
But what followed was a swift reversal. Mu’ad later issued a clarifying statement, explaining that he had received a message from a trusted journalist who pointed out discrepancies between his information and the actual circumstances. He stated: “I don't claim to know the whole truth. If even 1% of what I was told turns out to be wrong, I apologize—my conscience and faith won’t allow me to stay silent.”
Mu’ad emphasized that his objective was never to seek trending status or media attention: “I’m focused on my work and I reject empty drama... people who know me understand that I strive first to satisfy my conscience.”
Reaction on social media was mixed, with some praising his humility and others calling the apology overdue. His retraction prompted discussions on ethical responsibility and maturity in public discourse.
Ultimately, Nicola Mu’ad's journey from condemnation to contrition demonstrated a powerful lesson: the true courage lies not in harsh declarations but in the willingness to acknowledge and correct one’s missteps when new truths emerge.