Saudi authorities have closed an office of Arab TV satcaster LBC after it broadcast an interview with a man speaking frankly about sex and showing off erotic toys, a government official said.
Abdul-Rahman al-Hazza, spokesman for the ministry of culture and information, said the office of the Lebanese Broadcasting Corp. in the western city of Jiddah was closed "indefinitely" because of the program and because it was unlicensed.
The Saudi man, 32-year-old Saudi Airlines employee Mazen Abdul-Jawad, has been in detention since Friday. He has begged forgiveness from Saudi society for appearing on LBC's "Bold Red Line," in which he appeared to be talking about his sexual exploits.
His July 15 TV appearance shocked many in the conservative kingdom, which enforces strict segregation of the sexes.
The TV segment began with Abdul-Jawad apparently talking about the first time he had sex -- aged 14, with a neighbor. Then the divorced father of four sons led viewers into his bedroom, where he said, "Everything happens in this room."
Sulaiman al-Jumeii, Abdul-Jawad's lawyer, insisted the interview was manipulated and his client was not aware in many instances that he was being recorded.
More than 200 people have filed legal complaints against Abdul-Jawad, who has been dubbed a "sex braggart" by the media, and many Saudis say he should be severely punished.
LBC chief Pierre Daher refused to comment on the matter.
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