Egyptian-born Qatari Sheikh Youssef Qaradawi - a cleric affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood - is no stranger to stirring controversies, but a recent report has revealed his problematic history.
The reports, which were first published by a leading Saudi newspaper, reveal that Qaradawi's interests were quite disturbing - inside and outside the realm of politics.
Based on testimonials from Qaradawi's Algerian ex-wife, Asma bint Qaddah, it was revealed that he allegedly forced her to watch porn on the night of their marriage.
He also refused to have sex unless she agreed to be blindfolded. Bint Qaddah also revealed that he wanted a threesome with the couple's domestic worker. He reportedly explained that there is "nothing that prohibits that in Islam".
Qaradawi's political stance has caused heated debates on multiple occasions, being an advocate of suicide bombings and martyrdom.
He's been living in Qatar since 1961, having escaped Egypt under the rule of Egyptian President Gamal Abdel-Nasser after being arrested.
In January, the Doha-based "scholar" was sentenced to life in prison in absentia. Aside from politics, Qaradawi's personal interests have caused quite the stir as well.
In one video, recorded by monitoring body MEMRI, Qaradawi discusses a fatwa that deems masturbation "halal" for men, but not for women.
In addition, in 1999, the U.S. placed a ban on Qaradawi from entering the country and in 2008, the UK denied Qaradawi a visa citing fears that his preaching "could foster inter-community violence".
In March 2012, France blocked the entry of extremists in the country after the Toulouse attacks and specifically mentioned Qaradawi as one of those who was barred.
Editor's Note:
Qaradawi's ex-wife has since denied the comments published by the Saudi newspaper, Al Araby reported on Sunday.
"I am being subjected to a defamation campaign by a Moroccan journalist who is a mercenary and hypocrite," said Qaddah, according to The New Arab's Arabic-language service.