Newsroom
A wave of criticism has followed controversial comments made by former footballer Kostas Malekkos on a popular TV show, with the Pancyprian Association of Single Parent Families and Friends demanding accountability from both the police and the Broadcasting Authority. The Association described Malekkos’ remarks as criminal offenses, urging authorities to take responsibility for the sexist speech aired on national television.
The controversy erupted during an appearance on Christiana Aristotelous’ “Sunday Night” show, where Malekkos made statements that many found deeply offensive. Among his comments, Malekkos suggested that women today have “taken the wrong path” and that “a man is entitled to do whatever he wants,” adding that women must simply “accept that men are the leader. Period.” These views, he argued, were the natural order of things.
In an attempt to quell the storm, Malekkos issued a written apology on December 9, claiming that his comments were intended as humor and not as a serious attack on women.
The Pancyprian Association condemned the remarks, calling them “dangerous and harmful,” and reminded the public that divorced women are not “prostitutes,” as implied by Malekkos. “We will not sit in marriages to be beaten or live in misery,” the statement added, condemning the normalization of such misogynistic beliefs in the media. The Association called on both the police and Broadcasting Authority to take action, noting that the media station and journalist who aired the comments should also bear responsibility for tolerating and amplifying the remarks.
The public backlash has been swift. The Gender Equality Commissioner, alongside various women’s organizations, has strongly denounced the comments, calling them a harmful promotion of sexist and patriarchal attitudes. The outrage reached new heights when the former footballer’s words were shared widely on social media, sparking a debate on gender roles, respect, and equality.
In an attempt to quell the storm, Malekkos issued a written apology on December 9, claiming that his comments were intended as humor and not as a serious attack on women. “I regret what disturbed public opinion,” he stated, emphasizing that he has “never been sexist” and has always respected women’s rights and roles in society. However, his explanation did little to quell the criticism, as many expressed concern that such attitudes should not be trivialized as jokes.
The incident has raised significant questions about the responsibility of public figures and the media in shaping societal attitudes. As the debate continues, many are calling for stricter regulations on the content aired on public platforms, ensuring that statements that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and gender violence are not given a platform.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles for gender equality in society, and the importance of holding both individuals and media outlets accountable for the messages they broadcast.
