President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has issued a clear and strongly worded reminder to the nation, stressing that every Maldivian has a responsibility to keep their actions firmly within the framework of Islam. His message, delivered through a social media post that quickly gained traction, underscored that the Maldives, being a one hundred percent Muslim country, must safeguard its religious and cultural identity in all public spheres, including the entertainment sector.
In the post, President Muizzu stated that Maldivians must distance themselves from acts that contradict Muslim culture. He urged those involved in film, media and entertainment to avoid practices that cross Islamic boundaries, calling on the industry to uphold values that reflect respect, modesty and cultural dignity. He further emphasised that setting a good example for the younger generation in line with Islamic culture is one of the most important services citizens can offer to the nation.
His statement came amid widespread public criticism after a man appeared in cross dressed attire at the premiere of the Maldivian film Lily, leading to debates over cultural norms, event standards and the influence of media on society.
Following the national conversation sparked by the President’s remarks, the Lily production team released an official statement to clarify their position. They confirmed that the premiere followed a defined theme, Maldivian Royal with a Modern Touch, which was selected to honour local heritage while maintaining a respectful contemporary aesthetic. The team stated that the individual whose attire triggered public concern was not an invited guest and did not represent the production, its values or its event guidelines.
The team added that they do not support or condone clothing choices that go against cultural and religious expectations. They expressed regret that such a situation occurred and pledged to establish stricter measures to prevent similar incidents at future events.
The statement reaffirmed the production’s commitment to cultural integrity, respect for community expectations and alignment with the values upheld by society.
