In an interview that dates back to late June, Egyptian TV presenter Tamer Amin made the most sexist comments to his guest, Olympic swimmer, gynecologist, and member of parliament Rania Elwani.
The host mocked Elwani's husband for helping her raise the couple's children. He also criticized him for being supportive of her career, adding that he would never "allow" his wife to work.
The interview segment with the successful woman recently resurfaced online, sparking outrage among thousands of Egyptians and prompting the country's National Council for Women to file a complaint against Amin with Egypt's Supreme Media Council. In their report, council officials accused the TV host of being sexist and urged authorities to suspend his program, Akher El Nahar (End of the Day), which is broadcast by Al Nahar Network.
Amid the controversy, it was discovered that the presenter wasn't even registered with Egypt's Media Syndicate nor was he a licensed professional. He was subsequently banned from hosting his show, but went back live after getting his paperwork sorted. Amin's membership was also reinstated despite the fact that the backlash over his sexist rhetoric has yet to quiet down.
After his 24-hour suspension, Amin went about his program. In the opening of his program earlier this week, he addressed the controversy, saying he didn't believe anything he said to Elwani was offensive.
"If I have offended anyone, I'm sorry. If the National Council for Women is dismayed, I apologize to them as well, but I swear the episode [with Elwani] was a parody and it was agreed upon with the guest," he explained.
The presenter went on to stress that he respects Elwani and views her "as an icon and for all Egyptian women."
However, to many, Amin's apology contradicted his problematic statements during Elwani's interview. Others couldn't even understand how Al Nahar Group didn't issue a further suspension against his program.
People weren't too happy seeing Amin on TV again
"Tamer Amin is back again."
The 24-hour suspension left many confused
"I just put the TV on and saw Tamer Amin as usual, as if nothing had happened."
"Are they kidding us or what"
"Hasn't Tamer Amin been suspended? How is he live on air now?"
The presenter's statements reinforced messed up gender roles
Amin's shock at the fact that a husband supports his wife's ambitions highlighted the sexism that continues to permeate communities across the region.
When Elwani proudly told him how her partner helped her hand out flyers for her parliamentary election campaign, he addressed the man, saying:
"Tell me how you feel preparing tea with milk, tutoring the kids, and staying at home while the doctor is on TV? How do you feel when she'll then head to the clinic and the parliament?"
The TV host didn't stop at that, he also wanted to know what Elwani's husband felt when he walked across rooms filled with his wife's trophies and accolades (proud, maybe?)
Let's hope the message that reinforcing messed up gender roles was never and will never be acceptable got through to Amin and his colleagues.
