“Rafic” Off the Screen Again…
This week, MTV was supposed to start airing the series “Rafic”, which tells the story of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. The show has 30 episodes, but just before the first episode was about to air, a court decision stopped it again. This happened because Hariri’s widow, Nazek Hariri, filed a lawsuit. So, what’s the story behind all this?
The Series Has Been Ready for 10 Years
Rafic was written by Choukri Anis Fakhoury and directed by Nadim Mehanna. It was filmed around ten years ago and focuses on Rafic Hariri’s political and economic journey and national legacy. The series avoids talking about his personal life. Still, it never got approval to be aired.
Actors Alaa Alaa Eddine and Diana Fakhoury took part in the project. But from the start, Nazek Hariri didn’t support the idea. Back in 2015, there were reports that she didn’t want Diana Fakhoury to play her, saying other actresses would fit the role better. But it seems her objections weren’t just about casting—some say she didn’t want the project at all.
How Did MTV React?
MTV expressed deep disappointment over the court’s decision to stop the show, especially since it was ready to air this week. In an official statement, the channel said that banning the series is actually harmful to Rafic Hariri’s memory. They believe the show honors his inspiring journey and legacy, and that it was made with respect, based on real stories shared by people close to him.
MTV also pointed out that Nazek Hariri has been against the series for 10 years without even watching it. The channel said that Hariri’s life, which he gave for the Lebanese people, does not belong only to his family, but to all Lebanese. They stressed that people have the right to see the series instead of being denied it for unclear reasons.
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Still, MTV and the production company NMPRO say they will follow all legal decisions for now, but will keep working seriously to protect their creative and financial rights hoping that the decision might be reversed, canceled, or changed in the future.
