Manama: The young man who caused an uproar on Saudi social media by taking a selfie with an African child picking through trash in the background has apologised profusely, according to a report on Monday.
Local newspaper Al Marsad reported that Yazid Al Rajhi, who came under heavy criticism for taking the selfie, roamed Jeddah until he found the girl so he can apologise and offer her gifts.
Al Rajhi, a Saudi rally champion, reportedly told the girl he did not mean to hurt or humiliate her in any way. He took pictures with her along with the gifts he brought her. He also posted an apology on his Twitter account.
Al Rajhi had said that he wanted to help the child who "did not choose to steal or do evil things to satisfy [her] needs, but opted to remain within the legal confines of the law".
Online users criticised Al Rajhi for taking a selfie with the girl, saying it was “totally insensitive” and that the rally champion should be punished for his “heartless action.”
“This is highly disrespectful and utterly stupid,” Ahmad said. “He can be a narcissist, but this is definitely not the place where he indulges in taking selfies.”
For Abu Abdul Aziz, the selfie was a total embarrassment for the man who took it.
“It is outrageous and there should be action against him. A true believer instinctively helps people and not ridicule them or demean their dignity,” he said.
Basma was highly critical of the selfie-taker, saying that he had no mercy in his heart.
“He needs to be disciplined for his outrageous behaviour,” she said.
For Sarem, people should abstain from ridiculing others or exploit their misery.
“Do not make fun of others because you never know,” he said. “God may easily strip you of the blessings that you currently have and you might end up like this poor boy sorting through trash to find something to eat,” he said.
The online debate took another dimension after Al Rajhi’s offer for financial assistance sparked arguments on the issue of offering money to foreigners.
Several commenters said that Saudi needy nationals should be given the priority over foreigners when it comes to financial donations.
“I have noticed that wealthy Saudis tend to donate money to foreigners and do not show real compassion towards their needs co-citizens,” a user called Hind posted online.
“It gives you the impression that foreigners are human beings, but Saudis are not. Should a Saudi sift through garbage or climb into a trash container to deserve attention from the wealthy. The priority should be for needy Saudis,” she said.
Mutabaa, a blogger, said that caution was needed when donating money.
“We must not forget that there are several gangs that are exploiting children and women by putting them in specific areas to make them appear as hungry and thirsty and thus trigger people’s compassion,” he said. “The money they are given is passed on to the gang leaders.”
