Israeli reporter left hanging after World Cup anthem star Maluma walks out

Columbian pop star Maluma walked out of an interview with Israel’s public broadcaster Kann News after being asked to justify his presence in Qatar - the latest controversial incident to take place with Israeli media at the World Cup. 

Israeli presenter Moav Vardi accused the Colombian singer of "whitewashing" human rights concerns in Qatar by taking part musically in the tournament. 

"Maluma doesn’t have a problem with human rights violations in this country?" asked news anchor Moav Vardi.

Maluma responded that "it’s something I can’t resolve. I came to enjoy life, to enjoy soccer… it’s not something that I have to be involved with. I’m here to enjoy my music."

Maluma walked out during an interview when asked about Qatars human rights abuses, calling @kann_news anchor @MoavVardi "Rude"@maluma pic.twitter.com/nUT3EopesC

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) November 18, 2022

The veteran Israeli reporter continued to press Maluma on the matter, before the singer responded: “do I have to answer that question?” 

“People are going to ask,” said Vardi before the Colombian star left the interview, calling the Israeli host “rude” for continuing to press him for an answer. 

Observers from Colombia to Palestine were quick to point out the double standards in singling out Qatar for scrutiny by Kan News, given Israel’s poor record.

"Israeli TV asking Maluma about human rights abuses in Qatar. The irony. I forgot Israel is the bastion of democracy and rights," said Sudanese journalist Dallia M Abdelmoniem.

Earlier this year, Amnesty International has charged Israel of committing the crime of apartheid in the Palestinian territories and against its Palestinian citizens.

Same-sex marriage throughout Israel is also not legal - and neither are interfaith marriages. 

Increasingly powerful right-wing orthodox political parties in Israel have even been pressing the Knesset to legalise gender-segregated public events.