Saudi prosecutor summons social media influencer over 'racy' massage oil ad

Saudi Arabia has summoned a social media influencer for questioning over an online advertisement for massage oil.
1 min read
06 May, 2019
Ibrahim has apologised, saying that she did not intend any "sexual innuendos" [Twitter]

Saudi Arabia has summoned a social media influencer for questioning over an "indecent" online advertisement for massage oil.

Saudi newspaper Sabq reported on Sunday that the Snapchat ad had "contained in indecent words and overtones that offends religious values and public decency".

A source told the semi-official outlet that the influencer could face five years in prison for "deliberately misleading the public and publishing false information about a product".

The report failed to clarify if the public prosecutor will refer the person to court.

The report comes after popular make-up artist Budoor al-Ibrahim sparked controversy in the ultraconservative kingdom with her massage oil promotion.

Last week, Ibrahim uploaded several videos promoting a range of oils to her hundreds of thousands of followers.

She explained that the body warming oils could be applied to "sensitive body parts" by married couples or people of the same sex.

The move prompted a backlash in the media and online, with some accusing her of promoting homosexuality and sexual perversion.

Ibrahim has issued an apology, saying that she did not intend to use "sexual innuendos" and that her "intentions were good".

Despite recent efforts to modernise society and ease restrictions on women, Saudi Arabia remains deeply conservative.