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Lebanese officials are declaring war on Showtime’s Homeland as the Emmy Award-winning show is making the country look like a place where terrorists roam free with abandon.
Lebanon’s tourism minister, Daby Abboud, said that the country is considering taking legal action against the show for its unflattering portrayal of the Lebanese capital Beirut in the second season.
In the first two episodes, Beirut is seen as a breeding ground for terrorists where the series’ main villain, a high-ranking Al Qaeda member, is holding court.
The episodes were in fact filmed in Israel, but critics still claim that setting the fictional action in Beirut reflects negatively on the city.
Mr Abboud said: “This kind of thing damages the image of Lebanon. It is not fair to us and it’s not true. It is not portraying reality. We want to write to the filmmakers and producers and demand an apology. We’re also planning to raise a lawsuit against the director and the producer.”
The series recently swept the Emmys, taking home awards for the best drama series, as well as lead actor and actress for Damian Lewis and Claire Danes.
“This series has a lot of viewers and if you are promoting Lebanon as a non-secure zone it will affect tourism,” Mr Abboud said. “It will mean a lot of foreigners stay away if they are convinced by what they see. Beirut is one of the most secure capitals in the world, more secure than London or New York.”
The production company behind the show has not commented on the situation.
Homeland airs Tuesday on OSN First at 9pm.
