A female Lebanese TV host named Rima Karaki became an inspiration to women everywhere, but particularly to those living in male-dominated societies, when she refused to allow a powerful, influential London-based Islamist named Hani Al-Seba'i put her down after he told her during an interview to "shut up" and said it was "beneath" him to be asked questions by a woman.
Karaki, who works for Al-Jadeed television, had attempted to ask Al-Seba'i about reports that claim Christians are joining ISIS. Instead of directly responding to her question, he took things back in time and went off on a rant about history.
The TV host is patient at first. Then, as politely as possible, she tries several times to bring the topic back around.
"Dr. Al-Siba'i, let's focus on the present," Karaki says at one point. "At present, what slogans are used to attract (Christians) to these groups?"
His response? "Listen, don't cut me off. I will answer as I please. I will not answer the way you like, because I'm here to serve the idea in which I believe."
Not exactly respectful. Karaki was trying to help him by providing a platform in which he could explain his position, but it became evident he had his own agenda. Neither she, nor the TV station, owed him free publicity. We assume he had agreed to the interview with one question in mind, and he was taking advantage of Karaki and trying to play her for a fool.
From that point on, things quickly devolve.
Karaki makes it clear she isn't trying to disrespect the sheik and that they want to hear his complete answer, but for the sake of time, she knows he'll never get to the heart of the matter if he keeps talking about the past. After he calls her "high and mighty," she asks him not to disrespect her and then gives the BEST retort ever: "In this studio, I run the show."
Yes! A million slow claps quickly turning into a standing ovation at that moment in time.
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Of course, her response only angers Al-Siba'i even more. He tells her again that he'll respond to the question however he wants and then—the kicker—tells her to "shut up" and reveals that he feels it's beneath him to be interviewed by a woman.
Watch and see the beautiful way she ultimately shuts him down:
See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.
What do you think about the way this TV host handled this man?
Image via YouTube