Producer Mai Imsahal has filed a number charges against Lebanese singer Yuri Imrakadi to the Association of Actors and to The Cinema Chamber demanding to bring his acting career to and end, and to stop the screening of his first film “Al Hayat Muntaha Al Litha” (Life, Extreme Pleasure).
Members of artist associations held mediation sessions between Yuri and Mai to try and resolve their disputes, but all attempts failed due to Mai’s instance that singer had wronged him.
In 2003 Mai contracted with Yuri for him star in the film “Kawalees” (Behind the Scenes) alongside Nelly Kareem, and Yuri had taken part of his salary in advance as a down payment. After sending Yuri the script, Mai also sent the set dates for him to come in and begin filming. It was stipulated in their contract that Yuri must fully dedicate himself to the film to avoid delays.
After reading the script Yuri made a call to the producer stating that he refused to portray a Jewish character.
Mai tried to convince Yuri that it is merely a role in a film and he will not be associated with it, but the singer argued that he could not play such a part after releasing the song “Arabion Ana” (I am an Arab).
The director accepted Yuri’s excuse, and immediately replaced him with actor Ahmad Haroun.
