Khaberni - The Syrian-Palestinian actress Shukran Murtaja decided to close her accounts on "Facebook" and "X", in a surprising move that came after a wide wave of controversy sparked by the second episode of her new show "Oh La La", on the Syrian channel "Al TV", which featured director Saif Sbei'i as a guest.
The debate erupted after the episode included political statements from both sides about the Syrian situation, considered "bold" and unusual, which critics deemed as "glorification of the Syrian regime".
Sbei'i said during the episode: "Changing people in positions does not mean the fall of the regime or its transformation, we change people but the approach remains the same." He added: "What we experience today is a rare opportunity to express opinions, and we should take advantage of it before it closes again", warning that "reducing the Syrian society to one color is dangerous for the cohesion of the nation," and compared the current politics to the policies of the "Ba'ath Party" which ruled Syria for decades under the Assad family.
Official Apology
Murtaja published a poignant post expressing her regret for what happened, affirming that she did not intend any harm, and said: "Many thought badly of me after watching an episode of my new show, I swear that neither I nor the station nor the guests aim to stir controversy or awaken strife, quite the opposite."
In another post, she wrote: "I am proud of my affiliation with the Syrian people, and if I have caused any harm to your hearts, I apologize from the heart."
She explained that her decision to close her accounts was to preserve her mental peace and to distance herself from the charged atmosphere that accompanied the episode, affirming that her love for Syria and its people is "constant and unchanging".
Farewell with a tone of love
Following the escalation of reactions, Shukran Murtaja chose to end her digital presence with farewell words carrying a tone of love and gratitude, as she wrote, "My decision to step back is not a sign of weakness, but to preserve my comfort and inner peace until we meet again.. or perhaps a long goodbye, I love you."
Murtaja's move received wide interaction from her followers, who expressed their understanding of her position, amid many calls for her eventual return after the storm calms.
Shukran Murtaja participated in the Ramadan drama season of 2025 through the series "Ba with a Dot Underneath", which tells the story of a group of elderly women who decide to complete their education and enter a literacy school, creating a special relationship with the teachers and staff at the school amidst a comedic atmosphere.
The series is directed by the Iraqi Heba Al-Sayigh, written by Mona Zahery, and features a cast of stars from the Arab world, including Naghamoush, Fatema Al-Hosani, Sawsan Badr, Mohammad Khair Al-Jarah, and Iman Al-Sayed.
