Mai Omar rejects accusations of using bot accounts to boost new series

CAIRO – Egyptian actress Mai Omar has recently found herself at the centre of a social media storm after facing accusations of using fake accounts to promote her upcoming television series “El Sett Monalisa,” with screenshots circulating online showing suspicious engagement from accounts allegedly based in India.

The controversy erupted after images shared widely on social platforms appeared to show unusually high interaction with the show’s promotional teaser. Critics claimed that some of the engagement came from inauthentic profiles, including accounts outside Egypt, fuelling speculation that the production team may have relied on so-called “electronic committees,” coordinated networks of accounts used to artificially boost online visibility.

The allegations quickly became fodder for online ridicule, with some users mocking the apparent foreign origin of the accounts and questioning the authenticity of the show’s online popularity ahead of its scheduled release during the Ramadan 2026 drama season.

Mai Omar, however, did not remain silent for long. In a strongly-worded message posted on her official Instagram account, she firmly denied any need to resort to such tactics, expressing confidence in her audience and in her own success.

She dismissed the idea of relying on foreign accounts as both illogical and insulting, framing the accusations as part of a deliberate attempt to undermine her reputation and diminish her achievements. Without naming anyone directly, she hinted that a specific individual or party was intentionally targeting her, a suggestion that only deepened speculation among followers.

Mocking the claims, she wrote sarcastically: “If I were ever going to use such tactics, would I really buy Indian accounts? I’m certainly not that naïve. Even a kindergarten child would think more carefully. If I spend money on something, I do it properly.”

She added that the story had been fabricated by someone with a vivid imagination but insisted she had no need for artificial promotion. “Those who are confident in themselves and their audience focus on their work. I’m focused on my work, and my success speaks for itself. ‘El Sett Monalisa’ has clearly upset some people.”

Omar also reposted messages from supporters accusing another actress of waging a campaign against her since the series was announced, further intensifying the atmosphere of rivalry and suspicion.

The controversy comes amid reports from activists and industry observers about production challenges faced by the series since filming began, although details remain limited.

This is not the first time Omar has alluded to being targeted by hostile campaigns. In September last year, she posted a lengthy message criticising a fellow actor over comments about trending television shows, arguing that some artists celebrate success when it is theirs but disparage it when achieved by others.

Despite the backlash, Omar has continued with the promotional rollout. She recently released the series’ first song, “Awadi Ala Allah,” performed by rising singer Maha Ftouni, and unveiled a new teaser packed with dramatic tension, hinting at the emotional and psychological struggles faced by the protagonist.

“El Sett Monalisa” is a suspense-driven drama built around flashback storytelling. The central character, Monalisa, recounts her past from inside prison, revealing a series of traumatic transformations following a failed marriage and her struggle to rebuild her life amid intense social and emotional pressure.

The narrative takes a darker turn after an unintended incident results in the death of someone close to her, forcing Monalisa into a desperate battle to prove the killing was accidental.

Omar portrays a cook in a role layered with social and human complexity. The cast also includes prominent Egyptian actors such as Sawsan Badr, Shimaa Seif, Ahmed Magdy, Wafaa Amer, Injy El Mokkaddem, Jory Bakr and Mahmoud Azab.

The 15-episode series is written by Mohamed Sayed Bashir and directed by Mohamed Ali. It is scheduled to air on MBC Masr and MBC Masr 2, as well as on the Shahid streaming platform, as part of the highly competitive Ramadan television marathon.

Omar, born in 1988, began her career in advertising production before moving into acting in 2013. She has since built a strong television profile, appearing in several popular series including “Lu’lu,” “Weld El Ghalaba,” and “Neama Al Avocato,” often collaborating with her husband, director Mohamed Sami.

For now, “El Sett Monalisa” remains firmly in the spotlight, buoyed as much by controversy as by anticipation, illustrating how digital disputes and promotional battles have become an inseparable part of modern television marketing in Egypt’s fiercely competitive Ramadan season.