Groups Now Demanding A Public Apology After Arab Star’s Controversial Comments On Domestic Workers Go Viral
Following recent reforms that state Filipino domestic workers must be allowed one day off per week, and to retain their passports, Sondos AlQattan took to social media to publicly disagree with the reforms.
The influencer, who boasts over two million followers on her social platforms, and was named by Forbes as one of the top ten Arab influencers to follow, has deleted the video and her Instagram account in the wake of the media furore.
Her shocking comments sparked major public debate
In the video, AlQattan stated:
“How can you have a ‘servant’ in your house who gets to keep their passport with them?”
“And what’s worse is if they have one day off per week”
“If they ran away and went back to their country, who’ll refund me. Honestly I disagree with this law. I don’t want a Filipino maid anymore”
People are demanding a public apology
Migrante and SANDIAGN ‘vehemently condemns the degrading remarks’. The global alliance which supports the rights of OFWs said that ‘by projecting herself as a slave-owner, Sondos exhibits intoxication in her overinflated ego and a false sense of superiority.’
The groups state that Sondos clings ‘to a backward outlook which literally belongs to the dark ages’ and are demanding a public apology and hope that she will express genuine remorse for her “disgusting” statements.
The group also recommends she visits the Philippines, so she can therefore understand the poverty the grips Filipino families, and understand the hardships of OFWs and their families.
The story has been picked up by international media
“We strongly demand that she offer public apology and genuinely express remorse for her disgusting statements. It… https://t.co/Xk5iKnwrDy
— Migrante Home Office (@migrante_intl) July 21, 2018
People are calling to boycott her products
People don’t buy @Sondos_q products! Her website called @boutiqaat she needs mental supplements, drop it at her P.O Box! #SondosAlqattan
— Stvn From Mars (@UnvrseStvn) July 20, 2018
And opinions of the lady have done a 180 since she made the comments
@sondosalqattan I used to like you because i think u are an amazing woman, but what you said about Filipino domestic helper is below the belt, you are nothing but a pretty face, rotten from the inside..
— Kris Aganon (@AganonKris) July 19, 2018
“Rotten attitude’
Her expensive stuff and pretty face cannot mask her rotten attitude. Shame on that lady. #sondosalqattan #moderndayslavery
— Jaja Caringal (@mmcjaja) July 20, 2018
AlQattan is not alone in her thoughts however, with some supporting her rant
“And what about my right as her sponsor when she keeps her passport? What guarantees that when she goes out in the weekend, she comes back in the same state? And who guarantees my right when I’m linked to something negative that I didn’t do?”
وشنو يضمن حقي ككفيل للخادمة لما تأخذ جوازها ومنو يضمن لي خروجها بالويكند انها ترجع مثل ماطلعت من عندي ومنو يضمن حقي حين ينسب لي شئ ماسويته
— al33an (@al33an) July 14, 2018