The Iraqi actress is suing the Economist for using her photo in an article about “fat” Arab women.
An Iraqi actress is suing British newspaper The Economist for using her photo to illustrate an article about Arab women being “fatter” than men. The article “Why women in the Arab world are fatter than men” was published in late July 2022 and was accompanied by an image of Enas Taleb taken nine months ago at the Babylon International Festival in Iraq.
The article argues that poverty and social restrictions that keep women at home are one of the reasons why more Arab women than men are overweight. Another reason could be that “curves” are perceived as more attractive by some men. “Iraqis often cite Enas Taleb, an actress with voluptuous curves (pictured), as the ideal of beauty,” reads the article, which references Taleb’s photo.
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The actress and TV presenter called the article “insulting Arab women in general and Iraqi women in particular” and asked why the Economist was “interested in fat women in the Arab world and not in Europe or the US”. The article was also criticized on social media, accusing it of being “racist” and “sexist” and “shaming” Arab women. Speaking to al-Arabiya TV, the 42-year-old said she was faced with “harassing comments” on social media. She told New Lines magazine that she is healthy and happy with her appearance. “For me, that’s all that matters.”
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Legal action initiated
Furthermore, the image was taken out of context and photoshopped without his permission, the BBC reported. It has already taken legal action in the UK. “I have decided to take legal action against The Economist because of the cover story. I am seeking redress for the emotional, mental and social harm this incident has caused me. My legal team and I are preparing the next steps,” Taleb told Rasha. Al. -Aqeedi of the Newslines Magazine.
Taleb posted a video of his attorney Samantha Kane on Instagram saying she was representing the actress in a “defamation matter” and “issued a letter of recovery on behalf of my client, apologizing for the serious damage.” However, there is no mention of financial damage.
Account Nav sp Time 08.13.2022, 06:38 | Act: 08/13/2022, 06:38