Iranian actress apologizes for kiss at Cannes film festival
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 24 May 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iranian actress apologizes for kiss at Cannes film festival, 24 May 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/53a13a5f12.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 24, 2014
Iranian actress and Cannes jury member Leila Hatami
Iranian actress Leila Hatami has apologized for kissing the Cannes Film Festival president on the cheek – an act which angered authorities in Tehran.
In a May 23 letter to Iran's cinema organization quoted by the state news agency IRNA, Hatami said she was "sorry for hurting the feelings of some people."
Hatami said 83-year-old festival president Gilles Jacob forgot the Islamic rules of behavior in public, "which comes with old age."
She said her "pre-emptive action of hand shaking" was "fruitless."
Though embarrassed to explain, she said she had to provide "details for those who could not understand the inevitable situation" she was stuck in.
Underlining her respect for Islamic rules, Hatami said: "In my eyes, he is certainly like an old grandfather who was also my host."
Based on reporting by AFP and IRNA
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
