Saudi Fashion Show and Alleged Desecration of the Kaaba: Debunking the False Claims

Riyadh: A viral video circulating on social media claims to show the desecration of the Kaaba during a fashion show in Riyadh, sparking widespread outrage. However, investigations reveal that the video was a manipulated montage combining clips from different events, with the intention to spread misinformation.
The video in question included footage from the opening of a 2023 wrestling match, where a cube-shaped screen displayed event visuals. The edited version of this video misleadingly suggested that a concert had taken place in front of a model of the sacred Kaaba.
In reality, the event was the fashion show of renowned Lebanese designer Elie Saab, held in Riyadh. The show was inspired by the traditional Arabian tale “One Thousand and One Nights” and featured international celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Camila Cabello, and Halle Berry.
Cairo-based researcher Mohamed Bin Jammah exposed the truth behind the video, clarifying the false claims. He noted that Jennifer Lopez had worn an Elie Saab dress, which she had previously donned at other international events. The Riyadh event involved no provocative clothing or nudity, and was streamed live on YouTube for nearly two hours.
There were no images or references to the Kaaba in the fashion show, and the visuals showing the model of the Kaaba were actually from a 2023 boxing event, where cube-shaped screens displayed the match from various angles. These visuals were digitally altered to resemble the sacred structure.
Additionally, a video showing idols and statues was also part of this misleading edit, as were portions of a music clip that falsely paired Quranic verses with metal music. This clip had originally been part of a 2014 American music concert, which was re-edited to deceive viewers.
This incident highlights the dangers of misinformation on social media, and the importance of verifying content before drawing conclusions.