Nadine Nassib Njeim

Social views and controversy

In 2016, was the subject of some controversy over her views on premarital sex and gender equality, based on content of a prior interview she did with Future TV in 2012.^[6] During the interview she was asked about views on premarital sex and hypothetical questions. For example, if her son wanted to have sex at 18 before marriage would she support that decision. She stated yes and went on to explain in her view it was beneficial for men to engage in premarital sex and why it was not acceptable for women. Njeim, went on to further explain specifically why she was against gender equality and was a supporter of traditionalist gender roles ; "I want women to stay women. If they equate me with a man, I’d feel like a man. I don’t want to. I want to stay a woman."^[6]

In response to the backlash she received, Njeim stated in another interview that she believes the content of the clip that resurfaced, had been purposely edited and montaged for the sole purpose of discrediting her and sabotaging her career. And her statements were deliberately taken out of context by critics. Reiterating, that was in fact a supporter of women's rights and against that her message actually promoted gender equality.^[7]

Njeim starred in the Lebanese series Al Hayba, but was not present in season 2, and will not continue on in season 3. In an interview she stated that felt that there were creative differences, and her role as a woman on the show conformed to gender stereotypes. She wanted her character to be more active physically.