Culture
Lebanese band Mashrou’ Leila quits after years of harassment over sexual orientation
Mashrou’ Leila, whose main singer identifies as queer, announced it was disbanding, after facing accusations, harassment and threats over their songs.
BEIRUT — Hamed Sinno, lead singer of the Lebanese four-member indie rock band Mashrou’ Leila that was formed in Beirut in 2008, announced the end of the group.
The announcement was made on the platform of the Lebanese “Sarde” podcast on YouTube Sept. 11.
Sinno explained that the decision to disband the band came as a result of online harassment, hate campaigns and banning of the group’s concerts in Lebanon and several other Arab countries.
“Every member of the band is a genius and can work alone,” Sinno said. “It is difficult for the group to continue to exist while it is being deprived of its audience."
