NOTE: Above translation provided by Middle East Media Research Institute
TORONTO – A Lebanese journalist and television host is drawing international attention and praise for the way she reacted after being told to “shut up” by a sexist guest on her show.
Rima Karaki, an anchor on Lebanon’s Al-Jadeed TV, was interviewing London-based Islamic scholar and sheik Hani Al Seba’i last Wednesday on the subject of Christians joining the ranks of the Islamic State group.
When Al Seba’i strayed into discussion of history, Karaki reminded him that their time was limited and asked him to return to the topic at hand.
“Listen, don’t cut me off. I will answer as I please,” Al-Seba’i said in comments translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute. “What kind of behaviour is this?”
“Please don’t get all worked up. We respect you and know you want to give a complete answer,” Karaki replied. “Unfortunately, we have limited time—”
“You think you are so high and mighty,” Al-Seba’i continued. “I am serving the idea in which I believe.”
The exchange became heated, and Karaki reminded Al-Seba’i that “in this studio, I run the show.”
Karaki’s admonishment set Al-Seba’i on a tirade.
“Are you done? Shut up so I can talk,” Al-Seba’i shouted.
“How can a respected sheik like yourself tell a TV host to shut up?” Karaki asked.
“It is beneath me to be interviewed by you. You are a woman who—” Al-Seba’i shouted as Karaki asked for his microphone to be turned off.
“Either there is mutual respect, or the conversation is over.” Karaki said as she ended the interview.
She later told the UK paper The Guardian that she had gone out of her way to show deference to her guest, even donning a veil at Al-Seba’i’s request.
“Had I not answered, I would have hated myself, and I don’t want to hate myself,” Karaki said. “When he said ‘shut up,’ it was no longer possible to shut up because I would be insulting myself and would lose everything.”
In the days since the video was posted, the journalist and university professor has seen her global popularity skyrocket, with many praising the way she responded to the sexist attacks.
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