ALGIERS: An Algerian reality TV show filmed in Dubai is causing a backlash even before hitting the airwaves, with social media users demanding a boycott and accusing participants of bringing “shame” on the country.
“Le DZ à Dubaï” — DZ being shorthand for Algeria or Algerian in Arabic — brings together a group of Algerian social media influencers, former models and rappers in a format based on a French show similar to Big Brother.
But the show, presented by a Tunisian Instagram star and starring several Algerians from the diaspora in France, has already sparked rage in Algeria itself.
“You’re nothing to do with DZ, you’re taking over our identity, you’re just French — please stop surfing on our backs just to make a buzz,” one Twitter user wrote.