ADVERTISEMENT

TV station suspends 8 female anchors ordered to lose weight

An Egyptian TV station has ordered eight of its female anchors to lose weight, placing them on one month suspension.

Overweight TV anchor

A State TV station has sparked outrage online after demanding that eight of its female anchors lose weight, placing them on suspension.

The Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU) has given the women one month to diet before resuming their role on-air.

The director of ERTU, Safaa Hegazy, who was once a TV anchor, is standing by the absurd decision, revealing that the salary and benefits of the suspended anchors will not be cut short during the period of their suspension.

ADVERTISEMENT

So far, opinions on the issue have been divided with some referring to the women as “bakabouzas” (an Egyptian term for overweight females) and praising Hegazy for her strong decision while the Women’s Center for Guidance and Legal Awareness say the move “violates the constitution.”

Apart from the outcry of women's rights groups, the suspended presenters have also defended themselves.

One of the affected presenters, Khadija Khattab, disclosed to local media that she wants people to watch her most recent appearances to see if she is indeed fat and deserving of the suspension.

Another admits that the situation is highly distressing and could have been handled better with less publicity.

ADVERTISEMENT

A male member of parliament and journalist, Sayyid Hegazy, has defended the women, adding that a presenter “might be a little overweight, but she is eloquent.”

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Here are common things people rarely dream about

Here are common things people rarely dream about

5 young women who embody Y2K and alte fashion

5 young women who embody Y2K and alte fashion

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT