The affection fans have for their stars has always been a unique phenomenon that adds a special charm to the relationship between art and the audience. However, what raises concern is the occasional transformation of this love into extreme behaviors from some celebrities, which can escalate to physical or verbal assaults against their fans. A recent video that circulated on social media in the Arab world today showed Egyptian singer Amr Diab slapping a fan who attempted to take a photo with him. This behavior is ethically and legally unacceptable, casting a negative shadow on the star's image and reputation, not to mention the psychological and physical harm inflicted on the fan.
Incidents involving stars assaulting their fans include:
**Oscar Slap**
In 2022, American actor Will Smith slapped Oscar host Chris Rock in the face after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith justified his actions by expressing anger at Rock's mockery, though many considered his reaction excessive. Rock sustained minor injuries, and Smith lost some of his popularity due to this incident, as well as being expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
**Restaurant Incident**
Chinese singer Xiao Juan assaulted a fan who tried to take a photo of her in a restaurant by hitting her in the face. The exact motives behind Xiao Juan's actions were unclear, but some speculated she felt angered by the fan's behavior. The fan suffered facial injuries, and Xiao Juan lost some popularity as a result of this incident.
**Microphone Assault**
In 2023, American rapper Cardi B surprised her audience with an unusual reaction towards a fan during a concert when she assaulted and insulted the fan. After the fan threw a drink at Cardi B as a joke, she did not take it well and forcefully threw her microphone at the fan, responding with insults.
**Omar Sharif and Aisha Dori Incident**
In 2011, during the "Tribeca" Film Festival in Doha, actor Omar Sharif slapped reporter Aisha Dori when she tried to take a photo with him. This incident caused widespread outrage in the media, leading the artist's spokesperson, Enas Bakr, to address the situation by defending Sharif, stating that he acted out of provocation at the festivals.
**Hassan Hosny at Ahmed Rateb's Funeral**
In 2016, Egyptian artist Hassan Hosny faced an embarrassing moment at the funeral of late actor Ahmed Rateb when someone from the crowd tried to grab his arm and walk beside him, prompting him to elbow the person to push him away.
**Ahmed Abdelaziz at Sherine Seif El Nasr's Funeral**
In 2024, artist Ahmed Abdelaziz lost his temper towards photographers during Sherine Seif El Nasr's funeral. After leaving the funeral, surrounded by a crowd of fans and journalists, he reacted to someone who attempted to touch him, saying, "Don't touch me, or else," before quickly leaving.
