Beirut, July 5, 2025 – In the interest of transparency and to clarify the facts to the public, and in response to the video published by Lebanese actress Rita Hayek containing incorrect and inaccurate information, director and producer Jacques Maroun issues the following statement:
First and foremost, we affirm that the rights of the Lebanese production of the play Venus is exclusively owned by its producer and director Jacques Maroun, who presented it in a version that meets the highest artistic standards.
As the play prepares to embark on a global tour starting from Dubai in the UAE, followed by Montreal, Canada, we regret to confirm that actress Rita Hayek—who previously played the female lead alongside actor Badih Abou Chakra—was the one who informed director Jacques Maroun and producer Tarek Sikias of her sudden and final decision to withdraw from the production. She also refused to continue with the scheduled performances set for August at Monnot Theatre, despite the fact that these shows were pre-planned and known to the entire cast and crew, and the Monnot Theatre officials.
Moreover, Mrs. Hayek explicitly informed both the director and producer of her final decision to withdraw from the international tour, even after having initially agreed to it, and personally selecting the performance dates that suited her schedule. Tickets for the Dubai shows featuring her image further confirm that she had agreed to these performances, up until the very last moments—making her decision to pull out, a shocking one for the entire team.
Despite multiple attempts by the director and producers to persuade Mrs. Hayek to reconsider her decision, she proceeded with her withdrawal, disregarding the binding contractual obligations that the creators had already entered into, along with existing commitments regarding venue bookings, travel arrangements, and logistical preparations involving a large number of the play’s crew, which would cause significant financial, production, and artistic damage, and undermine the credibility and commitments of the whole team.
In this context, it is inaccurate to suggest that the production team evicted Mrs. Hayek. The truth is that she abandoned the project, after contracts for the global tour had already been signed by the international producers. Therefore, in order to honor their artistic obligations, and contractual agreements, the director and producers, in consultation and agreement with the entire team, made the tough decision to proceed with the global tour as scheduled, and have cast actress Rola Beksmati in the leading female role, alongside Badih Abou Chakra.
The producers and director extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Lebanese press and the loyal audience, whose support helped the play reach an international stage. We reaffirm our commitment to presenting this theatrical work at the highest artistic level, just as we have consistently done throughout our work history.
Regarding the financial and professional dues of Ms. Hayek, we affirm that the producers are committed to protecting the rights of all cast and crew members without exception. All dues have been settled, including those of actor Badih Abou Chakra. As for the remaining amount owed to Ms. Hayek, she has been contacted multiple times by the producers but has not come forward to collect it as of this date.
Finally, the producers explicitly reserve all their legal rights in this matter, including the right to respond through all legitimate legal channels.