Lose weight or lose your job

19 August 2016 - 04:13 By The Daily Telegraph

Egypt's state-run television has suspended eight of its female presenters for being overweight - telling them they can return to air only after they go on diet. The presenters were given a month to lose weight and told they will not be allowed back on screen until they have achieved an "appropriate appearance", according to a local newspaper.The decision was made by Safaa Hegazi, who took over as chief of the public broadcaster in April on a promise to modernise the organisation.Khadija Khatab, one of the women taken off air, said the decision was "humiliating". But Majdi Lasheen, a state television official, defended the move, saying it should sound "the alarm for all presenters that they have to pay attention to their appearance, including weight"...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.