Despite the strong relationship that ties Lebanese singer Assi Hilani with Saudi Prince Waleed Bin Talal, owner of Rotana Production Company, heated disputes erupted between the singer and the company that led filing of charges at the police station. As a result of the disputes, Assi has been absent from different music festivals in Gulf countries, which made people come to the conclusion that he is no longer wanted by audiences.
The singer also launched his latest album “Izgheeri El Dinia” (It’s a small world) without releasing any music videos to accompany it adding to the rise of more rumors saying that he is going through a downfall in his career.
On his part, Assi has revealed that all the rumors that are surfacing are untrue and stressed that his dispute with Rotana was over the fact that he filmed an episode for the Lebanese satellite channel Future. Rotana was against the filming of the episode and thought Assi behaved in an unprofessional manner, but the singer noted otherwise and stressed that he does not regret filming the episode for Future TV especially because they broadcast commercials for him without the existence of contracts between them. He added that the channel takes good care of him and so he can not turn them down when they ask him to do something.
According to the London based daily, Al Quds Al Arabi, the singer added that his contract with Rotana has ended with the release of his latest album, and he has not revealed the possibility of resigning with them. Assi commented on his absence from festivals in different Gulf countries is a mere coincidence and that he had already taken part in different festivals around the Arab world and abroad.
With regards to why he had released his album without an accompanying music video is the fact that the music video for his duet “Ouli Jai” is still being aired and it is part of the album. He added that if he were to release another music video it will negatively reflect the success of “Ouli Jai” especially since it is witnessing enormous success.
