Egypt’s Zahi Hawass calls Beyonce “stupid person”
Bikya Masr Staff12 November 2009 in Culture, Egypt, Egyptology, Entertainment, News
CAIRO: In a shocking display of poor diplomacy, Egypt’s chief Egyptologist Zahi Hawass allegedly called American pop-star Beyonce a “stupid person” during her brief tour of the Giza pyramids earlier this week. Writing in al-Shorouk newspaper, Summer al-Gamal said that Hawass became fed up with the pop star’s attitude after she did not show the interest Hawass felt was deserved of the pyramids.
According to Gamal, during Hawass’ self-guided tour, he said “I showed her the Sphinx and I gave her a book on King Tutankhamen,” but then his anger and frustration made its way to the forefront.
“Then he stopped being diplomatic and said in anger, ’she’s a stupid person and she doesn’t understand a thing and she doesn’t want to understand’,” wrote Gamal.
Hawass is known for his outbursts. A number of foreigners have told Bikya Masr that he has employed Arabic to insult others at dinner events and gatherings, believing the non-Egyptians will not understand his Arabic. Beyonce, obviously, did not understand his jabs, Gamal said.
“She’s coming here to take pictures and that’s it,” Gamal quoted Hawass as saying.
He then assigned one of his assistants to take the American star and her entourage to a designed location nearby to shoot the photos. Similar to any high profile guest, pictures by the pyramids have become almost routine. When American President Barack Obama was in Cairo last June, Hawass personally escorted the president around the monstrous pyramids, allowing Obama to have his photo taken on the plateau.
Gamal added that Beyonce did not win over the journalists following her, however, as at least one bodyguard threatened a cameraman with violence if he did not give the pop-star her space. “One of the bodyguards threatened the cameraman, saying he would smash the camera if he continued to film,” Gamal wrote.
The incident has left archaeologists angered. They say it is time to show the world the real Hawass. “He insults and is so controlling that it has become extremely difficult to work in this country,” one archaeologist said.
Hawass’ office did not return phone calls on Thursday morning to discuss the actions of the country’s Supreme Council of Antiquities chief’s comments in front of journalists and Beyonce.
“We are talking about an Egyptian government official and he goes as says something like this? Come on, this is very rude and totally undiplomatic,” said another archaeologist, both of whom asked not to be named as their current work is funded by the council headed by Hawass.
BM
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Well, guess what we in the States already knew she was as dumb as a door nail. I am glad the rest of the world is finding her out.
[...] “She’s coming here to take pictures and that’s it,” Gamal quoted Hawass as saying. Read more… [...]
[...] Source [...]
[...] One journalist, Gamal, added that she didn’t win over the favor of the press. “One of the bodyguards threatened the cameraman, saying he would smash the camera if he continued to film.” Source [...]
[...] chief Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass called American pop-star Beyonce a “stupid person” during her brief tour of the Giza pyramids: during Hawass’ self-guided tour, he said “I showed [...]
[...] Who would of thought Beyonce… would be there only for show. Read the rest Here. [...]
Well, he was telling the truth. Why be mad at him for that? She IS stupid. *shrugs*
Well, obviously she with her blink-blink entourage annoyed him with their known attitude… I woudn’t be surprised if they had asked questions like: How much would you sell this Pyramid for?:).. or the hip-hop throwing the money attitude and the don’t give a #### style about something as valuable as Pharaoh relics…I would understand their insults stirred him up….a response expected from a scientist
Zahi Hawass is over zealous about Egyptian history. It doesn’t mean Beyonce is stupid, she just wasn’t interested enough for his standards.
“she’s a stupid person and she doesn’t understand a thing and she doesn’t want to understand’,” wrote Gamal”
That’s how 90% of americans are, believe me I lived there for over 20 years. Mr Gamal is just telling the truth. If telling the truth is not diplomatic enough for you, then so be it!
To commentor #15 :
So, it took you 20 years to conclude that 90% of Americans are stupid … Wow … that is smart !
Sam, I was thinking the same thing.
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Good morning, many people are not interested in learning about ancient history and cultures. It does not make them stupid, but keeps them ignorant. We should all be professional when dealing with the public and not lower our standards regardless of others.
Note: tut – made a few comments (their known attitude?) that I do not think are supported by the article. The comments also seem to hide deep seated prejuidices and opinions about some people. Also I think the correct term is “bling bling”… An intelligent logical response is what I expect from professionals/scientists.
its obvious that no ones home.she needs a publicist someone to be at her at all times who speaks well.also she is overexposed needs to take some time off to be tudored but it may be too late.
This from a man who thinks the great pyramid was a tomb!
She is a dumb ass, but he’s certainly no rocket scientist.
[...] “She’s a stupid person and she doesn’t understand a thing and she doesn’t want to understand” Hawass reportedly said (Source: Bikya Masr – Egypt’s Zahi Hawass calls Beyonce “stupid person”). [...]
So… I’m no fan of Hawass, but….was he wrong? BTW, what does this have to do with diplomacy? We’re not talking about Secretary of State Clinton are we?
Good on Zahi… this time at least. Beyonce IS dumb and ignorant, as well as a jackass with a huge ego just like Kanye and many other entertainers. And yes 90% of Americans are dumb, but so are 90% of most people the world over. At any rate, I think Zahi can be an ass to other archaeologists, which is the larger issue – he likes to throw his political weight around a bit too much. I admire his passion for his career, and for Egypt, but he’s a bit too zealous to let serious professionals other than his personal friends (like Mark Lehner) get the proper access they need, when they need it. He can insult dumb pop stars all he wants (and I’ll even join him in doing it), but pissing off academics is another thing. Plus he likes to pretend he’s Indiana Jones in documentaries when in real life he’s more of a pencil-pusher than anything. His serious archaeology days are behind him.
Why should Zahi Hawass waste his time with someone who was clearly not interested in knowing more about the history of the ancient Egyptians? He treated her as warranted! She deserved nothing more. Leave her to take the glamor shots. Jeez, what a big fuss over nothing.
Mr. Hawass is my hero.
Yes she could probably be considered stupid… But in all due right so would anyone who thought that the pyramids were built by slaves hauling huge megaliths over logs imported from mesopotamia…
In order to accomplish that in the proposed 20-years time scale they would have to lay one stone every 2 minutes every hour every night and day…. But they tell us they did it during the time when the Nile was innundated about 4 months of the year, that means they would have to lay a megalith every 2 seconds.
[...] Masr reports on the rude behavior of Zahi Hawass, a man who has often tangled with anyone daring to challenge [...]
So Beyonce was on the Giza plateau not so much to learn about Egyptology as to co-opt the most recognizable landscape on earth to frame her own celebrity status.
And the ever-humble and media shy Zahi was there to what, learn about R&B music from the pop-star?
Anyone who thinks Dr. Hawass was there merely to perform his duty as a diplomat is really being quite naïve. I understand that Dr. Hawass often goes out of his way to greet visiting dignitaries and celebrities. And I understand that Dr. Hawass has used his own celebrity to advance actual Egyptian Egyptology, a field that has suffered greatly from colonialism. I get it.
But for the man who once smashed his way into a tomb with a hammer because it would look good on camera to criticize another for using the pyramids for a photo-op… Come on, Zahi. Lighten up.
Does it not matter that he was right? I mean, Hawass is not often right, we should give him some credit this time for his accumen.
I met Hawass at the Cairo Museum when I was in Egypt a couple of years ago. He was not made minister yet. I ran into him while he was arriving at the museum to give a press conference. He seemed like a very genuine person and took the time to talk with me and take a few pictures as well. I think he is entitled to his opinion. Although, due to his position, he should have probably kept it off record. But, anyways, who is really concerned with hurting Beyonce’s feelings. I don’t even see how this would be a “failure of diplomacy” because in the scheme of politics she means nothing.
yesw i love beyonce and all but she act and thinks her shit doesnt smell i agree with hawass she can be asshole at times and i used to love her until she staert wit this diva shit bitch go have som kids n relax
Why should the head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities give an exclusive guided tour to a pop star? What he was expecting in return? An autograph for his children? Beyonce did what every ordinery tourist does, take pictures in front of the pyramid. At worst, she may have asked zahi the forbidden question, “Do you think aliens made the pyramid?” but that doesn’t make her stupid. When there’s no conclusive proof, one can draw any hypothesis. Zahi should remember that his fund comes mostly from the tourists who visit pyramids with I-pod plugged in their ears. Zahi may be right in theory, but people should not necessarily enjoy dry academic lectures while all they need is some adventure.
He must not know ’bout B
He must not know ’bout B
We could find another jerk in a minute
who thinks that he’s the reason tourists visit
He must not know ’bout B
He must not know ’bout B
A modern Nefertiti dissed by a tour guide
who should never for a second get to thinking
he’s irreplaceable
The pyramids are sacred burying places and give the world invaluable information to civilization. Egyptian antiquities are Dr El-Hawass’s lifelong passion and a job he takes very seriously. It is in poor taste to be given the honour of an escorted tour and act like a stupid, arrogant, jackass. I agree with Zawi El-Hawass. I do not know how it is to work personally with him, but I know he has given himself to the love of his nation and his heritage. I have nothing short of awe for him and his work. I have worked with a few who have worked with him, and I have been told that he demands the respect that he and Egyptian history and the antiquities.rellics deserve.
My vote goes with El-Hawass on this one.
I hope you’ll join me.
.
Egypt’s chief Egyptologist Zahi Hawass sounds like a real arrogant prick. Or maybe just a prick.
~ The Infidel Alliance
.
“She’s coming here to take pictures and that’s it,” Gamal quoted Hawass as saying.
So what? Isn’t that what most of the visitors to Egypt do? She’s a pop star for pete’s sake, not an ancient Egyptian scholar. Did HawASS think she was there working on her PhD.?
But out of respect for Mr. HawASS, I hope all the other ’stupid people” from around the world who wanted to go take pictures of the pyramids will decide to take their euros, dollars, pesos, rubles, yen and reminbi and go some place else. Disneyland…the Great Wall, the Eiffel Tower….anywhere that they can just take pictures without being insulted.
You’re quite a fine ambassador for Egypt Mr. HawASS!
~The Infidel Alliance
I’m Joining
If Dr. Zahi Said she does not understand. Then he meant it.
However i’m a Big Beyonce fan. But, My Voice For sure to Dr.Zahi
And what did Mr.Hawass want with Beyonce? Another picture on the front page, that’s what. He would do a guided tour for Donald Duck if it gave him publicity.
And his “diplomacy” is well known.
Maybe Mr HawASS recognized the same thing Muhammed did….that women in general are just stupid people:
Bukhari (6:301) – “[Muhammad] said, ‘Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?’ They replied in the affirmative. He said, ‘THIS IS THE DEFICIENCY OF HER INTELLIGENCE.’”
Good job Mr. HawASS! It’s good to see a man trying to live up to the standard set by Muhammed!
~ The Infidel Alliance
It’s amazing what the average young american doesn’t know or care to know about history and the world. If it doesn’t pertain to his/her life it’s irrelevent and unimportant. Merrily they go along in a narcisstic state.
Dear Zahi Hawass,
I am one of the highest rated tour guides in UNESCO listened Prague! My dream and my aim of my career is to take around Beyonce Knowles! I can not believe you talking like this about your clients, everyone has different features, everyone is good in something else, you know your history, I know my history, somebody knows how to sing, somebody knows how to build the house. What you stated shows you are not a professional tour guide, coz aim of a guide is to educate and ENTERTAIN so well that client leaves happy and you should care about your feedback, Im really sorry for you honestly – as this is not a way how to do your job! If you taking celebrity around – you should count on journalists! – you should organize the track so that you wont pop in to journalists! You know what? I am young guide and I do what I do with heart and I work a lot and Im really successful – I hate to see people with this fanatic attitude of OLD GENERATION, celebrity and amazing woman such as Beyonce Knowles deserves someone better to take her around, thanks for increasing my challange!
Martina Prague Guide
“Honesty is the best policy.” Having to hold your tongue is only out of courtesy for the easily offended retards. It really sucks there are so many of them. And Beyonce is pretty much undeniably stupid and tasteless, most every somewhat decent person knows that. She is a sign of society’s downfall and the surrender of sanity in exchange for profits from media prostitution. Zahi Hawass, on the other hand, gives me a little bit of hope.