In a shocking incident that set social media abuzz, an Egyptian actress was charged with "inciting debauchery" for wearing a see-through dress that revealed her legs.
Rania Youssef, a model and actress who has appeared in multiple Egyptian films and television shows, is facing trial over the black dress she wore to the closing ceremony of the Cairo International Film Festival.
According to the Independent, Youssef could face up to five years in prison if convicted of public obscenity.
Youssef walked the Cairo International Film Festival red carpet last Thursday donning a black leotard covered by a sheer overdress exposing her hips and legs.
Lawyers Amro Abdelsalam and Samir Sabri complained to Egypt's chief prosecutor about Youssef's look after it stirred controversy online, which subsequently led to "public obscenity" charges against her. Her trial is set to begin on Jan. 12, 2019.
According to the BBC, the aforementioned lawyers are known for pressing charges against celebrities.
"(Her appearance) did not meet societal values, traditions and morals and therefore undermined the reputation of the festival and the reputation of Egyptian women in particular," Sabri told Agence France-Presse (AFP.)
Youssef took to social media to respond to the controversy surrounding her dress. In her statement, the actress said she did not intend to cause outrage, stressing that she would not have worn the dress had she known it would stir controversy.
Youssef explained that her choice was influenced by professional stylists, who put her under the impression that the dress was appropriate according to the standards of international festivals.
She went on to say, "I reaffirm my commitment to the values and morals upon which we were raised in the Egyptian society."
Not the first "debauchery" case against a female celebrity
In December 2017, an Egyptian court sentenced singer Shimaa Ahmad, also known as Shyma, to two years in jail - later reduced to one year - over the racy music video to her song "I Have Issues."
Following a quick trial, the singer was found guilty of inciting debauchery and publishing an indecent film.
Similarly, in September 2015, bellydancers Shakira and Bardis were jailed for six months each for "inciting debauchery" in their music videos.
Social media uproar
Youssef's case caused quite the stir on social media, with many users defending the actress and deeming the charges as absurd.
Here's what they had to say: