Egypt’s art world witnessed a wide wave of controversy following the sudden eruption of a dispute between two artists, Hend Sabry and Maha Nassar, behind the scenes of the “Immunity” series, which escalated with an offensive post published by Maha Nassar on Facebook, which Maha Nassar promptly deleted hours later, leading to speculation about the fate of the work and the stability of the team.
Significant adjustments to avoid friction
According to media reports, the original author of the series, Amr El Dhari, has begun adjusting the remaining scenes of Hend Sabry and Maha Nassar as a precautionary measure aimed at avoiding potential friction after recent statements and allowing filming to continue smoothly as the Ramadan season approaches.
Trade union intervention and conditions rejected
In a surprising development, Dr. Ashraf Zaki, head of the Syndicate of Acting Professions, intervened to talk to Maha Nassar and asked her to delete the offensive post, which she agreed to, but on the condition that she did not offend any scenes in the work, and threatened to republish what she had written if her role was changed.
However, the captain stressed that respect for the work of art took precedence over personal disputes and resolved the situation by refusing to set conditions that would affect the progress of the production.
Ambiguous messages and indirect accusations
Maha Nassar had previously remained silent for two months about the conduct of her co-stars in an upcoming drama, noting that she had complained but had not received a response, and issuing a vague message that she refused to be ignored or disrespected.
While indirectly referring to Hend Sabry, the letter also exonerated artist Hoda al-Etlebi of any connection to the crisis and called for an end to what it called a “campaign” against her and her colleagues.
Divorce and official silence behind the scenes
In connection with this crisis, there were reports that Maha Nassar and director Hussein Al-Mambawi had officially divorced due to differences of opinion that arose during the filming of “Immunity”. Despite the uproar, both parties remained silent and continued their professional activities to ensure that the series was not affected and preparations were completed for the 2026 Ramadan race.
Their collaboration is not limited to “Immunity,” as they also collaborated on star Amr Saad’s “Al-Meter” series, which is scheduled to be released after Ramadan. Maha Nassar has finished filming some scenes and plans to continue filming.
Extensive technical defense of Hend Sabry
Meanwhile, Hend Sabry received public support from many artists and producers. Artist Nashwa Mustafa defended her, highlighting her humanitarian and professional progress, recounting the humanitarian positions he had gathered with her over the years, and calling for calming the atmosphere and eliminating differences.
Producer Maha Selim also expressed support for Hend Sabry, reflecting on the personal and humanitarian positions that brought her together, stressing that he stands by her regardless of common interests, and describing her as a “big star with a genuine stance.”
The story of “immunity” and its heroes
The series “Immunity” is inspired by a true story that took place in the Batinia district in the mid-80s, and follows the journey of “Garam”, a widower and lonely man with three children, who enters the world of commerce and makes his mark amidst harsh challenges.
The film consists of 15 episodes, with a story by Abbas Abu Al-Hassan, script and dialogue by Amr Al-Dali, and direction by Hussein Al-Mambawi, co-starring Hind Sabri and Khaled. Selim, Riyad Al-Khouri, Ahmed Khaled Saleh, Maha Nassar, Karim Qasem, Muhammad Anwar, Hoda Al-Etrevi, Mimi Gamal, Ahmed Al-Shami and Ahmed Habashi.
