A Lebanese skier competing at the 2014 Winter Olympics at Sochi has reportedly sparked an outrage in her country after suggestive photographs of her taken for a calendar resurfaced online.
The photos of Jackie Chamoun taken for the calendar show her holding strategically-placed ski equipment to protect her modesty as she poses in Lebanon's Faraya mountains, with a video of the photoshoot and stills from the film sparking criticism in some quarters after they were featured on Lebanese television.
According to News.com.au, Chamoun publicly apologised on Facebook for the video and stills, which she said showed the preparation for the photoshoot rather than the final product, and said she is aware that Lebanon is a conservative country and her photos does not reflect their culture.
Chamoun also asked the people who saw the photographs to stop spreading them, although the apology has not placated everyone with a Lebanon minister calling for an investigation to ensure 'the protection of Lebanon's reputation'.
The report mentioned that Lebanon is considered among the most liberal countries in the Arab world, with women generally free to wear the skimpiest of attire, and alcohol widely available, although the society is still culturally conservative with Chamoun's photos touching off a small firestorm on the social media.
However, despite the criticism levelled against Chamoun, who is competing in her second Winter Olympics representing Lebanon in alpine skiing, plenty of fans offered their support online, the report added.
