Actor Mahmoud Hegazy has been at the center of multiple legal disputes that have drawn public attention in recent weeks.
Egyptian authorities previously detained Hegazy following a complaint alleging sexual assault inside a Cairo hotel. He was later released on bail, and the case remains under investigation by the Public Prosecution.
In a separate matter, he was also released on bail in connection with an assault complaint filed by his wife.
Following his release, Hegazy publicly denied the accusations and stated that he trusts the judicial process. The cases referenced remain under review, and no final rulings have been issued in the criminal proceedings.
Amid the ongoing public discussion, Rana Tarek, Hegazy’s wife, sent El-Shai a written statement responding to what she describes as inaccuracies in his public statements.
Tarek is not a public figure and told El-Shai she felt her voice was not being fully heard. Below, we outline the key points she addressed, followed by her full statement as received.
On the Travel Ban and Alleged “Bargaining”
In response to statements suggesting she requested the lifting of a travel ban on their son, Tarek denies this claim and describes the matter differently.
“My husband is using our son as a bargaining card to escape assault and rape charges.
I never once asked him to lift the travel ban on my son. If I wanted the ban lifted, I would have accepted what I describe as his financial offer in exchange for lifting it, which I rejected. I am staying in Egypt to pursue my legal rights in the assault case, child support, and divorce proceedings.
I was born and raised in the United States, as was my son, and I came to Egypt so he could see his father. That visit ended in betrayal.”
On Child Support
After public discussion around financial responsibility, Tarek addressed what she says is a court ruling in her favor.
“I recently secured a child support ruling effective retroactively for one full year, the maximum allowed by law. This means he owes support dating back one year.
I have paid for my child entirely since his birth 18 months ago, including travel expenses to Egypt and visa procedures to allow him to visit the United States freely. He did not use that opportunity.”
On the Assault Case
Tarek also responded to comments about the origin of the dispute between them.
“My issues with him began when I confronted him about extramarital affairs and suspicious conduct on social media. His response was what I describe as a violent assault that nearly cost me my life.
This case is currently pending before the court, with the next hearing scheduled for February 21.”
On Citizenship and Escalation
She further addressed what she describes as escalation following legal and immigration-related decisions.
“I halted his U.S. citizenship process after discovering what I describe as misconduct, which further escalated tensions between us.”
On Visitation and Housing
In response to claims that she prevented family access, Tarek denies this and outlines her position.
“I never prevented his family from seeing their grandson. I only requested that meetings take place in public spaces out of fear of being assaulted again in private. That request was rejected.
I also obtained a court order granting me possession of the marital home. He brought family members to live there, which I believe was done to create tension and prevent my son and me from returning.”
Full Statement as Received
Below is Tarek’s complete statement as sent to El-Shai, published in full:
“My husband is using our son as a bargaining card to escape assault and rape charges. I have decided to set the record straight and uncover what I describe as a smear campaign against me. I believe the judiciary will be the final authority in resolving this crisis.
I never once asked him to lift the travel ban on my son. He knows nothing about our son and provides no financial support for him. If I wanted the ban lifted, I would have accepted his financial offer in exchange for lifting it, which I rejected. I am staying in Egypt to pursue my legal rights in the assault case, child support, and divorce proceedings. I was born and raised in the United States, as was my son, and I came to Egypt so he could see his father. That visit ended in betrayal.
I recently secured a child support ruling effective retroactively for one full year, the maximum allowed by law. This means he owes support dating back one year. I have paid for my child entirely since his birth 18 months ago, including travel expenses to Egypt and visa procedures to allow him to visit the United States freely. He did not use that opportunity.
My issues with him began when I confronted him about extramarital affairs and suspicious conduct on social media. His response was a violent assault that nearly cost me my life. This case is currently pending before the court, with the next hearing scheduled for February 21.
I halted his U.S. citizenship process after discovering misconduct, which further escalated tensions between us.
I never prevented his family from seeing their grandson. I only requested that meetings take place in public spaces out of fear of being assaulted again in private. That request was rejected.
I also obtained a court order granting me possession of the marital home. He brought family members to live there in a way that created tension and prevented my son and me from returning.
I have evidence for everything I am saying. I do not need to launch campaigns. Justice will be served, and the truth will come to light.”
Mahmoud Hegazy has previously denied allegations made against him. The legal proceedings referenced remain ongoing before the courts.
