October 9, 2009 | Sex & Society

Egypt bans newspaper for outing actors

A newspaper in Egypt claimed that three high-profile actors were involved in a prostitution ring ... a gay prostitution ring. And because homosexuality is a terrible thing in Egypt, the newspaper was banned by the government.

The weekly independent 'Al Balagh Al Gadid' claimed that Nour El Sherif, Khaled Aboul Naga and Hamdi El Wazir had been questioned by police for their alleged involvement with the ring. The police are denying any such investigation took place, but the paper claimed the celebrities bribed the case under the rug.

El Sheif, Naga and El Wazir have also filed lawsuits against the newspaper's chief editor, executive chief editor and a reporter.

El Sherif said: "Naming me among other homosexuals defamed me and all Egyptian artists. The Journalists' Syndicate has to be firm with anyone trying to insult the dignity of Egyptian artists."

The actors didn't seem overly concerned about the prostitution angle of the story. Go figure.

Newspaper banned after accusing actors of homosexuality [Los Angeles Times]