The Addis Ababa-based private Abbay TV is under fire for controversy sparked by a comedian and presenter on one of its shows who said he had taken part in “rape” in the past. During an episode of the Ethiopian Christmas special program on Sunday, January 8, 2024, Washehu end?, comedian Bereket Bekele, known by his stage name, Filfilu told the panelist teams that he had participated in a rape, to earn a point for accurately guessing the truthfulness of a statement. As per the format, the Amharic language show that found its roots in the American television panel show, “To Tell the Truth,” and the British panel show, “Would I Lie to You?”, he was subsequently questioned by the opposing team. The comedian later said the story was untrue, but instead of addressing the gravity of the situation, his fellow panelists responded by laughing it off and making inappropriate and lewd sexual remarks. One of the guests on the program, Jah Lude Awol, made a troubling statement by suggesting that “Rape is something usual. Why should we offer apologies for it?” Another participant attempted to normalize non-consensual sex, abductions, and forced marriages by suggesting that these practices were common in the past. During the program, one female guest, Durshu Dana, appeared visibly upset by the situation, while the other male panelists seemed to find the situation amusing.
When it was published on YouTube, the video titled “I raped a woman” became a contentious subject of discussion, prompting the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) to issue a final warning to the TV station involved. Shocked viewers have condemned the show, labeling it a “disgusting shame” for the “normalization of rape culture.” In their letter released on Monday morning, EMA denounced Abbay TV for broadcasting content that diminishes women’s dignity, violates their rights, and contributes to the degradation and sexualization of content. The Authority emphasized that this content not only breaches societal values but also fosters criminal acts against girls and perpetuates inappropriate treatment of teenagers.
It is a “disgusting shame” and the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) should be commended for giving the TV station a final warning.
In America we have the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to monitor the airwaves. What a joke the FCC is! The FCC works in the interest of American TV stations that are owned by a few wealthy families. Google: “Sinclair Broadcasting” This is very serious. Ethiopia should view American television programs and commercials and ask itself “Do we want to end up like this?” Children watch TV and it molds their view of reality. They don’t know any better yet. They think that if it is on TV it is right. Watch American TV, you’ll ask yourself “Is this real” and you’ll find yourself shaking your head in disbelief or find yourself yelling in disgust at the TV, watch American TV. The EMA should be commended.
Those who admitted raping women should stand trial. Period. Stations that broadcast such programs are in for the money; they should be shut down and owners brought to justice. Abiy Admin has abandoned its responsibilities to the public in every single way. Ethiopia is fast becoming the region of lawless leaders and individuals.