Iran Apoplectic Over Actress' Peck On Cheek At Cannes Festival

A simple peck on the cheek has landed an Iranian actress in a bucket load of trouble. Leila Hatami was photographed at the Cannes Film Festival kissing the cheek of the president of the fest, head covered mind you, and now the Iranian authorities have their panties in a bunch.

Apparently, the ho has ruined the reputation of Iranian women. According to Iran's Deputy Culture Minister Hossein Noushabadi:

“Those who attend intentional events should take heed of the credibility and chastity of Iranians, so that a bad image of Iranian women will not be demonstrated to the world."

But it seems it wasn't just the kiss that was so offensive, he went on to say:

“Iranian woman is the symbol of chastity and innocence,” he said. Hatami's “inappropriate presence” at the festival was “not in line with our religious beliefs.”

Jacob then took to social media to explain exactly what a peck on the cheek means to normal people.

“I kissed Mrs. Hatami on the cheek. At that moment, for me she represented all Iranian cinema, then she became herself again,” Jacob tweeted.

“This controversy over a usual custom in the West has therefore no reason to be.”

Hatami is a judge at this year's festival, and the poor thing has still lives in Iran.

Source: Al Arabiya