The Kut tragedy shook the artistic community...this is how the stars expressed their pain

The city of Kut, in Wasit Governorate, south of Baghdad, witnessed one of the most tragic incidents in modern Iraqi history, after a horrific fire broke out in a crowded shopping mall, killing more than 60 people, according to official sources.

The Kut tragedy shocks Iraq and the Arab world. Thursday, July 17, 2025, became a bloody day in the memory of Iraqis, and the Iraqi government subsequently declared three days of official mourning for the victims. The tragedy, which left dozens dead and injured, has brought public safety issues in buildings back to the forefront, amid numerous questions about the lack of emergency exits, lack of preparedness, and rapid response.

Stars react: tears, shock, and messages of condolence As images of fire and smoke spread across news networks and social media, messages of condolence began pouring in from art and media stars in Iraq and the Arab world.

Kazem El Saher wrote on his Instagram story: “The eyes shed tears and the heart grieves over the painful loss of our brothers in the city of Kut.”

Shatha Hassoun expressed her anger and regret, tweeting: “Very sad news… The painful Kut tragedy and the martyrdom of more than fifty souls… How long will the neglect continue? No emergency exits or rescue readiness? Who is responsible?”

As for Rahma Riyadh, she wrote with touching words: “May peace and blessings be upon Kut… Your pain is our pain… My sincere condolences to the families of the victims.”

Photo messages turn Instagram into a condolence book Celebrities' Instagram accounts have turned into digital mourning panels, posting photos of the fire and victims, along with prayers and messages of sympathy.

Mais Anbar wrote: “To God we belong and to Him we shall return… A state without a deterrent law… and the story repeats itself every now and then.”

While Alexander Alam chose to share Surat Al-Fatihah, and accompanied it with the phrase: “Our hearts are with you.”

Even expressive drawings and cartoons had a presence, as did Maryam Ghariba, who published a black cartoon expressing deep mourning.

Artist Qusay Hatem wrote: "The painful Kut tragedy. To God we belong and to Him we shall return."

“Who is responsible?”: Questions that recur after every tragedy Despite the deep sadness, some stars' messages did not hide their anger at the repeated neglect that claims the lives of civilians. Shatha Hassoun was among those who raised questions about the entity responsible for opening such a large shopping mall without meeting safety requirements. The Iraqi street, in turn, is asking: How do tragedies keep recurring? And why is there no serious accountability?

The tragic event in Kut, although it broke hearts, reopened old wounds in the memory of Iraqis: from the Al-Hussein Hospital disaster, to the Nasiriyah fire, to the repetition of the tragic scene without any real deterrence or real change.