Controversy and Boycott: The Downfall of Youka Restaurant's Ratings Due to Biomy Fouad's Remarks
Overview: A Shift in Public Opinion
Biomy Fouad's Youka Restaurant recently faced a significant
drop in its Google ratings following a social media-driven boycott. This
reaction stemmed from Fouad’s controversial comments about actor Mohamed Salam
during his performance in the play 'Artificial Marriage' at the Riyadh Season
in Saudi Arabia.
Roots of the Controversy
The boycott campaign against Biomy Fouad's Youka Restaurant
was sparked by his criticism of Mohamed Salam's decision to not participate in
the play, 'Artificial Marriage', as an act of solidarity with Gaza. Fouad's
comments were perceived as insensitive and dismissive of the ongoing crisis in
Gaza.
Social Media's Role in the Boycott
Social media users actively called for lowering the Google
ratings of Youka Restaurant as a response to Fouad’s stance. Within hours of
the boycott’s commencement, the restaurant’s rating plummeted from 4.3 to 3.6.
Youka Restaurant: A Celebrity Venture
Youka Restaurant, owned by Biomy Fouad, is located in the
Giza area near the Pyramids. The restaurant, opened in 2020, saw a grand
inauguration attended by numerous stars, including cast members of 'Masrah
Masr' like Karem Hosni, Hamdi Al Marghani, Ahmed Fathy, Mustafa Khater, Mohamed
Anwar, and Alaa Morsy.
Biomy Fouad's Statement
In a video clip from Riyadh, Fouad expressed his views
post-play: "It's your right to apologize for the play, but not to insult
your art. We're here to present our Egyptian art, and you respect us, and we
respect you a lot." He continued, highlighting the importance of
representing Egypt and commended Mohamed Anwar for his professionalism.
The Backlash
Following the video, Fouad faced widespread criticism for
attacking Mohamed Salam, who had withdrawn from the play to stand in solidarity
with Gaza and Palestine. Salam had expressed his inability to perform while the
events in Gaza were unfolding.
Director Kamla Abu Zekry's Critique
In the wake of Fouad’s video, prominent director Kamla Abu
Zekry also criticized him in a fiery message via Facebook. She challenged
Fouad's definition of art and expressed disappointment in his actions, stating
it was dishonorable to the Egyptian art community to perform amidst the
tragedies occurring in neighboring regions.
Finally
In conclusion, the incident surrounding Biomy Fouad's Youka
Restaurant highlights the power of public opinion and social media in
influencing business reputations. The swift response to Fouad's comments and
the subsequent decline in the restaurant's rating reflect a growing trend where
consumers align their patronage with their ethical and political beliefs. This
case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance public figures must maintain
in their professional and personal expressions, especially in times of
political and humanitarian crisis.
