Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The ITP Group, the producer behind the popular TV show Star Games on Mazaj TV, has issued an official apology to the UAE community following a bullying incident involving Emirati girl, Maryam. The incident, which drew public outrage, has prompted the company to reevaluate its media practices to align with UAE’s cultural and national values. In its statement, the ITP Group expressed regret for broadcasting content containing inappropriate language perceived as disrespectful to the UAE’s identity. The company stressed its commitment to UAE's societal values and apologized to Maryam and her family, wishing her a speedy recovery. They assured the public that the psychological well-being of participants remains a priority, and the company is working closely with Maryam’s family to monitor her health. The 11-year-old Maryam was hospitalised after collapsing from the distress caused by bullying while filming the reality show. The incident has also led to a broader internal review, with ITP Group pledging full cooperation with the National Media Council and relevant authorities to prevent future occurrences of similar incidents. The National Media Council confirmed it is conducting a thorough investigation and emphasized that no media content violating UAE laws, especially those protecting children, will be tolerated. ICA/Expat Media
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