Lebanese-American Porn Star Condemned by Arab World for Status as Most Searched Online

Adult film peformer Mia Khalifa created a stir on social media across the Arab world and in her home country of Lebanon over the last couple of days, after the 21-year-old became the most sought after adult performer on the website, PornHub.

Khalifa, who was born in Lebanon but now resides in the United States, has divided Twitter users from her native country and since been a major topic of conversation online, garnering both support and condemnation for her lifestyle.

NOW Lebanon writer Juliana Yazbeck said she is concerned about what effect Khalifa’s status might have for the women of Lebanon.

“It never even crossed my mind to think, ‘she doesn’t have the right.’ What did cross my mind was: ‘Really?'” she said. “Of the very few Lebanese women who are making global headlines, it had to be a porn star?'”

Others on Twitter also had harsh words for the porn actress:

The most worldwide famous Arab women now are Amal Alamuddin (only as mrs. Clooney) and Mia Khalifa. What a pity.

— Fire and Blood (@Delbeltagy) January 6, 2015

@miakhalifa just remember You will burn in hell

— aziz (@MLsooN101) January 5, 2015

Some users were a little more warm to the idea:

I am an Arab, and I support freedom in all ways! Stop bullying @miakhalifa and focus on your own lives! #SupportMia #mindyourownbusiness — Gees Chaikh-hamad (@geeschaikh) January 6, 2015

Arab men bash Mia khalifa but only after they’ve discarded a tissue box they’ve used for other deeds done to her pictures and videos

— Yara (@YaraChamata) January 6, 2015

Khalifa, who has been very active on Twitter since she was catapulted to the top of international headlines, had this to say:

Doesn’t the Middle East have more important things to worry about besides me? How about finding a president? Or containing ISIS?

— Mia Khalifa (@miakhalifa) January 3, 2015

Lebanese blogger Gino Raidy wrote: “I think it’s pretty great that at a time when the Lebanese government and authorities are  in the footsteps of our ultra-conservative Arab counterparts and banning porn sites in Lebanon, one of our own topped the charts of the biggest names in online porn.”

Khalifa only recently entered into the adult film industry.