CAIRO —
Although apparently intended to feature the car's camera, the advertisement has drawn criticism of the automaker and the 60-year-old singer, seen as a role model for many across the Arab world. There was no comment from Diab, who still has the video on his social media accounts with tens of millions of followers.
“Everything can be a double-edged sword. In this advert, @Citroen #Egypt chose to show the negative aspects of their C4′s new features, from harming people’s privacy to harassing girls in the street! #MeToo,” a user named The Lady said in a post on Twitter.Feminist Sabah Khodir lashed out at the automaker, accusing it of exploiting women’s struggle against gender-based violence “as an opportunity to sell vehicles.
The magnitude of Egypt’s sexual harassment and violence problem came to light in the years following the 2011 popular uprising that overthrew long-time autocrat Hosni Mubarak, when mass rape and sexual assault occurred during several protests.
That's Marketing 101. Tailor your advertising to your customers. Of course, these 'critics' are living in La-La-Land where realities don't matter. Sexual harassment is deplorable. Change the culture, then the advertising will change...putting the horse before the cart.