Lebanese artist Faris Karam has ignited a significant controversy on social media following his appearance on the show "Neshan X," where he made what many deemed "shocking" statements regarding his mother, his divorce, and intimate details of his family life.
"My mother is incomparable to anyone"
In the interview, Karam expressed a profound connection to his mother, stating, "I would sacrifice my children for my mother… She is incomparable to anyone in the universe, except the Virgin Mary… My mother is sacred." He elaborated on his commitment to her daily needs, which some interpreted as a testament to his devotion, while others criticized his remarks as crossing a line.
Harsh confessions about his late father
Karam's revelations did not stop there; he also discussed the illness of his late father, who suffered from bone cancer, admitting he contemplated ending his father's life to relieve his suffering. He stated, "I increased the morphine dosage to perhaps end his pain." These comments sparked a wide-ranging debate about the ethical implications of his statements, with some sympathizing with his anguish and others condemning it as a dangerous justification.
Divorce and fatherhood: "It broke me"
Regarding his divorce from his ex-wife Hiba Aziz, Karam described the experience of fatherhood as mentally taxing, saying, "Fatherhood broke me… I wish I had remained single." He accused his ex-wife of treating him like a "cash machine" and claimed she sought a financial settlement of one million dollars after their separation.
Admissions of violence and mutual accusations
Karam admitted to verbally abusing his wife during their marriage and acknowledged that he later apologized, but she refused to reconcile. He also highlighted a fundamental difference in values between his family and hers, noting that she had concealed their son's illness and the need for surgery from him.
Widespread reactions and disagreements
Karam's statements have polarized social media, with opinions divided between those who believe a mother's status is sacred and cannot be compared to others, and those who find his comments about harming children unacceptable, regardless of intent. Conversely, some followers viewed Karam's openness as "exaggerated" and suggested he may require self-reflection or psychological support due to the pressures of fame and artistic life.
Between openness and shock
While Karam's audience is accustomed to his spontaneity and bold statements, his recent appearance has sparked a broader discussion about the limits of openness and the moral responsibilities of artists when addressing sensitive family and human issues.