In his films, Khaled Youssef always addressed authoritarianism, lack of social justice, poverty, religious intolerance, corruption, restrictions on the freedom of thoughts and opinion, and sexual violence in the Egyptian and Arab communities.

Then, suddenly, the celebrated director was a sham, and he left Egypt. 2 years later, he’s back and is addressing all the scandals he faced.

But first, let us recap everything that happened with Khaled Youssef over the years.

Let’s know more about Khaled Youssef

Khaled Youssef is an Egyptian director and Politician. His films are noted for their use of improvisation and a realistic cinéma vérité style.

In a career spanning over three decades, Youssef’s films have encompassed many themes and genres. However, his movies didn’t ever fail to debate the Egyptian daily talks in the streets.

From his career highlights, there are so many films as a director in the likes of Ouija (2005), Khyiana Mshroa (2006), Heya fawda? (2007), Hena Maysara (2007), Rayes Omar Harb (2008), Dokkan Shehata (2009), Kalemni Shokran (2010), Kaf el Kamar (2011), and Karma (2018).

What Happened?

In 2019, shortly after the “Me too” movement and the Harvey Weinstein scandal, many rumors spread regarding the relationship of Khaled Youssef with many Egyptian young actresses.

The rumors stated that Youssef would force young actresses who want to work with him to shoot sex tapes with him and force a relationship with them first.

The rumors were confirmed when the sex tapes were leaked online.

Youssef insisted that this was purely nothing but a smear campaign used against him politically, though these rumors have been circulating for years before his involvement in politics.

Even though there was solid evidence of Youssef’s actions, his wife still defended him and didn’t believe the videos.

Many videos leaked because of his behavior with young actresses, using his power as a film director to build with them false relationships, promising them he will make them cinema stars.

While many thought he should face legal issues, Youssef submitted several reports to the Public Prosecution against everyone who spreads these rumors to defame him.

And sadly, no legal action was taken against him since there are no laws regarding the use of power in relationships. And, of course, he didn’t get any response from the public prosecution.

What’s even worse is that most celebrities defended Youssef. Some even justified his actions and even sighted what’s happening in Hollywood during the Winestine scandal.

Why he left Egypt?

In Khaled Youssef’s story, he’s the victim. He claimed on Amr Adeeb‘s show El Hekaya that he was uncomfortable with what happened and couldn’t stay in the country anymore.

He also confirmed that his departure had nothing to do with the government or politics, and he was allowed to come back at any time, but he chose not to.

How is he planning his comeback?

To announce his return to Egypt, Khaled Youssef published a picture of him sitting overlooking the Nile River as a “teaser” for his return.

It was later announced that he is preparing to shoot his new movie “Welcome to Paris,” which is a human story that revolves around the suffering of 3 Arab women prisoners in France inside one prison who have a friendship relationship inside their prison, pointing out that the talk is about a real story and not a fantasy.

I experienced this story

Khaled Youssef to MBC masr

Filming will start next October, and they will film some shots in studios in Beirut, and 4 Egyptian artists will take part in the film, including Maged Al-Masry and Hala Sedky.

Besides this film, he announced too that he is preparing for a military Film and a historical series about Andalus in cooperation with the Egyptian united media services company. He is also aiming to discuss the issue of the Foreign Jihadis from different countries around the world, 80 different nationalities, as he stated.

I felt shocked when I saw jihadis from a non-Islamic nor Arabian background. I saw jihadis who are totally not Arabian in European countries. They are facing many problems in their lives.

Khaled Youssef to MBC masr

With all of that said, it’s interesting to see how things will turn out for Youssef. Will he be welcomed back by filmmakers and his audience, or is he done? Let us know what you think!