When Moncef Slaoui said "our country" in a press conference at the White House with then-President Donald Trump to head a team tasked with supporting the development of antiviral vaccines for the then-emerging coronavirus, Moroccan social media users started a debate about which country Moncef Slaoui meant during his speech. Still, the controversy didn't last long before the news of his dismissal was issued by the board of GlaxoSmithKline, where Moncef Slaoui, 61years old, spent about 30 years, where he oversaw drug development operations, was published all over the media, not only in the US but worldwide.

The news fell like a bombshell on everybody in Morocco, where many called it a conspiracy since he was the first Moroccan of Arab origin to reach such a position. Many others put it on the back of the Evil Eye, which is an essential element to blame any negative situation in daily Moroccan life. 

His exposure from giving interviews to many Moroccan media outlets, which never really mentioned him until he gave his speech in front of then-president Trump at the White House, drew attention to him. They were arguing about if he meant by saying "our country," the USA or Morocco. The argument was so heated between all of these groups on social media. 

While many brought up the fact that Moncef Slaoui left Morocco at the age of 17 to study in France, then Belgium, where he became a Belgian citizen and then immigrated to the US, proved that he didn't mean Morocco at all, but the US where he lives and was given a chance to be who he became.

(Click here to read more about the powerful Moroccan Evil Eye Part 1) & (Click here to read more about the powerful Moroccan Evil Eye Part 2) 

Many others, who are aware of what's going in the world (Not everybody is illiterate over there. Thank God!) reminded everyone that sexual harassment and "inappropriate conduct" are a grave punishable matter in the US, not like in Morocco, where many rapists could face the choice of going to prison or getting married to their rape victim. Many of them end up opting for the second choice to avoid jail time.

"Dr. Slaoui's behaviors are wholly unacceptable," GSK noted in a press release. "They represent an abuse of his leadership position, violate company policies, and are contrary to the strong values that define GSK's culture."

"Sexual harassment and any abuse of leadership position are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated," GSK said in its release published by major media outlets worldwide.

Slaoui expressed "deep regret" in acknowledging his termination by explaining: "I have the utmost respect for my colleagues, and I am horrified that my actions put a former colleague in an uncomfortable position. I would like to apologize unreservedly to the employee concerned. I am deeply sorry for any distress caused," he said.

 He continued: "I would also like to apologize to my wife and family for the pain this causes. I will work hard to redeem myself with all those who have been affected by this situation. I will take leave from my current professional responsibilities, in effect immediately, to focus on my family's affairs."

While many Moroccans remind Slaoui of the French saying, "Vivons heureux, vivons cachés" (To live happily, live hidden), the Moroccan Drama continues…

By Simo bb