Screenwriter Defends Yasmine Abdelaziz Amidst Controversy Over Series Theme Song
Cairo – Screenwriter Amr Mahmoud Yassin has come to the defense of actress Yasmine Abdelaziz following a dispute over her alleged involvement in the cancellation of the theme song for the upcoming Ramadan series, “We Forget What Was.” The controversy began after singer Rami Sabri announced he would no longer be performing the song, which is set to air on MBC Egypt.
Yassin addressed the situation on his official Facebook account, expressing his disbelief at the accusations leveled against Abdelaziz. “I really can’t believe what’s happening with Yasmine Abdelaziz,” he wrote. “If the theme song changed from one thing to another, it’s Yasmine. If an actor or actress says a certain line here or there, it’s Yasmine. If someone wears a certain outfit, it’s Yasmine. Where do I fit into all of this?”
He continued, emphasizing the collaborative nature of television production. “A series has a writer, a director, a producer, a stylist, and specialized departments. We’re not amateurs. We work, and each of us respects the role of the other and is responsible for their area of expertise. Of course, we consult and think together to reach the best decisions that serve the project, but the whole thing is, unfortunately, a settling of scores.”
The situation has sparked considerable discussion within the Egyptian entertainment industry, as Hiamag.com reports. Yassin’s statement aims to clarify that Abdelaziz is not solely responsible for artistic decisions, highlighting the collective effort involved in creating a television series.
According to Okaz, Yassin stressed the importance of recognizing the collaborative process, stating that decisions are made through consultation among the team, not by a single individual. He also suggested that the criticism directed at Abdelaziz may stem from personal conflicts.
The upcoming series, “We Forget What Was,” is highly anticipated for the Ramadan 2026 television season, and this controversy adds another layer of intrigue to its premiere. The debate over creative control and the role of actors in shaping a production are common in the entertainment world, and this instance is drawing attention to those dynamics within the Arabic-language television landscape.
Rami Sabri’s withdrawal from the project initially fueled the speculation, as Irm News reported. However, Yassin’s defense seeks to shift the focus away from individual blame and towards the complexities of collaborative filmmaking.
