The photo shoot conducted by the skier Jackie Chamoun in 2010 concerned the Lebanese government, which wants to “protect the reputation” of the country.
Caught by her past, in full competition, a Lebanese skier at the Olympics in Sochi is causing a controversy in her country after the broadcast of a video showing her topless at a photo shoot conducted in 2010. The authorities demand an investigation.
The video, which appeared on YouTube and widely reported on social networks, Facebook and Twitter, Tuesday, Feb. 11, shows the specialist alpine ski Jackie Chamoun, bare-chested and wearing only underpants, participating in a photo shoot held in the famous ski resort of Faraya Lebanon. While taking photos for a calendar, the young woman, then aged 19, hides her breasts with skis.
After a flurry of comments on the net, shared between criticism and praise, the Lebanese publicly apologized on her Facebook page, saying that the video was not intended to
be broadcasted: only pictures should be. Video “should not be made public,” she has written, acknowledging that “Lebanon is a conservative country and it is not the image that reflects our culture.”
“All I ask of you is to stop the broadcast, as this will help me focus on what is important at the moment: my training and competition” pleaded the young athlete.
[dailymotion]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1bshq5_jackie-chamoun_news?start=40[/dailymotion]
Government worried for Lebanon’s reputation
The Lebanese Minister of Youth and Sports, Faisal Karami reacted strongly, demanding measures to the Lebanese Olympic Committee in order to “protect the reputation of Lebanon.” The head of the Lebanese delegation to the Olympics in Sochi, Fadi Kairouz, said the Lebanese Olympic Committee would be meeting on Tuesday afternoon to make a decision.
Lebanon is considered one of the most liberal countries in the Arab world because of the freedom of dress which is granted in the country, alcohol is also allowed. But a large part of society remains deeply committed to social conventions.