The Lebanese actor Nicola Mavoud revealed through his official social media accounts that he apologized for starring in the film "Asohb Wala Aaz" in a post that stated: "Those who follow me closely know that I have never apologized for a role and then said, 'This role was mine.' Even though I don't see it as a mistake, on the contrary, I find it completely normal and it does not diminish the role or the actor who took the role.
But today, with all the controversy that we are seeing around the film 'Asohb Wala Aaz,' I want to say that I was supposed to be one of the actors in the film. I also want to say that my reason for withdrawing is not at all related to the ignorant and sterile controversy that we are currently witnessing."
Mavoud continued: "I withdrew because of COVID-19 circumstances that delayed the filming more than once, and I had a prior commitment to shoot outside Lebanon, so I had to withdraw from the project, knowing beforehand that I would be very upset when I see the film. I thought I would be upset just because the film is artistically beautiful, also because I knew beforehand how everyone's performance was going to be, in front of and behind the camera, under the direction of the director I really love, Wissam Samira."
"But today, I found myself upset for other reasons. I'm upset because this film was going to be an opportunity for me to really say, not just in words, how art is higher and more noble than all constraints, judgments, and censorship. Unfortunately, we live in a hypocritical society with double standards."
A heartfelt salute to everyone who worked on this film and to everyone who believes in free and independent art. Mavoud concluded, stating: "I know there will be many negative comments... I would have remained silent, but those who are being attacked today are colleagues and friends whom I respect, and I greatly respect their participation in this work. It is my duty, and that of everyone who thinks like us, to stand by them. I apologize in advance for not responding."
