<p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr">In an event that sparked widespread controversy, young Iraqi artist Baidaa Al-Moatasem was subjected to harsh criticism for her appearance at the Iraq International Festival.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">A controversial look</span> </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/94e79cff-b922-41b2-b966-ac460bf1dedc.jpg"></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> The look, which included a dress that revealed signs of an old surgical procedure, sparked mixed reactions from the public, with both sympathizers and critics split.</p><h3 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">Support from colleagues and response from the artist</span> </h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/2b2f3592-e532-438c-88fb-c007ac7d1f15.jpg"></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Amid this storm of criticism, Al-Moatasem received strong support from her colleagues in the artistic community. Artist Walid Al-Mohammadi, for example, posted an Instagram story expressing his condemnation of the incident, describing it as "immoral and unprofessional." Al-Mohammadi added, "None of you are infallible, and I don't think it was intentional." </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/68c2dd51-8a41-40bc-93e5-cdbbe0fbf978.jpg"></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> You can follow <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sbsial.com/ar/features/celebrity-ads"><span lang="ar">celebrity</span></a> <span style="background-color:unset;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.87);font-family:inherit;font-size:16px;"><span lang="ar">news,</span></span> announcements <span style="background-color:unset;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.87);font-family:inherit;font-size:16px;"><span lang="ar">, and all their</span></span> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sbsial.com/ar/features/exclusive-content"><span lang="ar">exclusive content</span></a> <span style="background-color:unset;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.87);font-family:inherit;font-size:16px;"><span lang="ar">only through the Special app, which is</span></span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sbsial.com/ar"><span lang="ar">a social media app</span></a> <span style="background-color:unset;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.87);font-family:inherit;font-size:16px;"><span lang="ar">with unique features. It includes a podcast that offers many unique features, such as allowing you to launch</span></span> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sbsial.com/ar/features/podcast-and-voice-recording"><span lang="ar">a podcast</span></a> <span style="background-color:unset;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.87);font-family:inherit;font-size:16px;"><span lang="ar">with your friends or listen to others. It also provides insight into</span></span> <span style="background-color:unset;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.87);font-family:inherit;font-size:16px;"><span lang="ar">various</span></span> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sbsial.com/ar/features/celebrity-collectibles"><span lang="ar">celebrity collectibles</span></a> .</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> For her part, Al-Moatasem responded to the criticism with a video clip she posted on her social media accounts, explaining that the visible scar was the result of an old surgery dating back ten years. She expressed her dismay at the campaign launched against her, especially by young women, saying, "I am a human being like you; I get upset, frustrated, and annoyed."</p><h4 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">Baidaa Al-Moatasem: A rising artist in the Iraqi art scene</span> </h4><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/ee9ffa2c-803a-4a5d-8d1f-fc61d8ac0fd9.jpeg"></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Baidaa Al-Moatasem is a young Iraqi artist, born in Baghdad to an Egyptian father and an Iraqi mother. She is the sister of media personality Manal Al-Moatasem. She graduated from the College of Media at Dijlah University and worked in advertising and presenting before entering the world of acting. Her first appearance on screen was in the drama series "Dreams of the Years," playing the role of Khadija.</p><h4 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">Iraq International Festival: A platform to honor art and creativity</span> </h4><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/b27bf598-f48f-4417-9072-ea4a87210218.png"></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> The Iraq International Festival is an Arab arts event that aims to honor stars of music, cinema, and drama. The first edition of the festival was held on October 3, 2023, coinciding with Iraq's National Day, with the support and patronage of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities.</p><h5 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">Controversy over looks at art festivals</span> </h5><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/3ffd796a-c6ec-4076-8c08-00ab1c04fcf0.webp"></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> The Baidaa Al-Moatasem incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding artists' appearances at art festivals. While some believe that artists should set an example for the public in their choice of clothing, others believe they have the right to express themselves freely.</p>