Regulation meets celebrity as Miss Egypt’s TV debut sparks legal row

CAIRO –

Egypt’s Actors’ Syndicate launched legal proceedings against Irina Yousri, crowned Miss Egypt 2025, over her participation in a television drama without obtaining an official permit to practise acting, reigniting debate over regulation, celebrity crossovers and the boundaries of artistic work in the country’s entertainment industry.

In a statement, the syndicate said Yousri appeared in the television series “Kolhom Beyehabbo Mody” (They All Love Mody), starring prominent actor Yasser Galal, without complying with the rules governing professional participation in dramatic productions. Any artistic appearance, the syndicate stressed, requires prior approval in accordance with the law.

Beyond action against Yousri herself, the syndicate said it intends to pursue legal measures against production companies that employed her without adhering to the regulations. The move, it said, was aimed at protecting the rights of registered members and reinforcing the principle of the rule of law within the artistic community.

The syndicate warned it would continue to impose deterrent legal measures against any violations, underscoring its commitment to enforcing professional standards and safeguarding the rights of those working in the sector.

It added that a package of sanctions could be applied against the production company behind “Kolhom Beyehabbo Mody” if the situation is not regularised. These may include a fine of up to one million Egyptian pounds, as well as a warning to all syndicate members against collaborating with the company on future projects. A final decision is expected in the coming days.

According to the statement, the production company breached professional rules by contracting Yousri, who is making her acting debut, without completing the required legal procedures.

Yousri, 27, was crowned Miss Egypt 2025 earlier this year and is set to make her first-ever television appearance in “Kolhom Beyehabbo Mody,” which is scheduled to air during the Ramadan 2026 drama season. The series marks her debut in scripted drama and pairs her with one of Egypt’s most established television stars.

During the Miss Egypt competition, Yousri captivated both judges and audiences with her distinctive presence and a speech highlighting women’s empowerment and the importance of supporting Egyptian women in society. She expressed her ambition to represent Egypt in the best possible light on the international stage.

The pageant itself featured artistic performances and fashion showcases blending cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics, in an event that sought to combine beauty with cultural expression.

The judging panel was chaired by Amal Rizk, the competition’s official ambassador and a community activist, and included notable figures such as Salma Ali, Miss Egypt 2024, television presenter Yasmine El-Khatib, designers Islam and Ibrahim Hashad and artist Mohamed Serag.

The ceremony concluded with Yousri’s crowning amid applause from the audience, while social media platforms buzzed with reactions, with many hailing her as a symbol of authentic Egyptian beauty.

Yousri’s name has also trended on social media in recent weeks following a controversial comment she posted, and later amended, on a message by actor Mostafa Abu Sreia announcing his separation from his wife. Her initial comment, “Congratulations, Toti,” was interpreted by some as hinting at a personal relationship and fuelling speculation about the divorce. She later changed the wording to: “May God bless you with Adam and Noah.”

Now, as legal proceedings unfold, Yousri’s swift rise from beauty queen to television newcomer has become entangled in a broader reckoning over regulation, professionalism and the limits of celebrity in Egypt’s tightly governed creative industries.