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Georgina Rodriguez, the girlfriend of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, has caused a stir with her latest Instagram post.
The couple relocated to Saudi Arabia after Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr in December 2022.
However, the 29-year-old model’s latest post has raised questions about Saudi Arabia’s strict laws on social media.
Contradiction with Saudi Arabian Law
Georgina Rodriguez’s latest Instagram post, which shows her in a bikini, was accompanied by a location tag indicating that it was taken in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
However, Saudi Arabian law prohibits over-exposed or semi-nude images on social media. In addition, clothing that is skinny, see-through, and has necklines on show is also prohibited.
Rodriguez’s post, which garnered more than five million ‘likes,’ appears to be in contradiction with Saudi Arabian law.
Cultural Exceptions for the Football Icon
Despite the contradiction with the law, Saudi Arabian authorities have allowed the couple to live together, despite laws prohibiting cohabitation without a marriage contract.
This is due to Ronaldo’s status as a football icon and the significant financial gain he brings to the country.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is being paid a staggering £177million to play in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo’s Recent Controversy
Ronaldo has also recently faced controversy after being accused of committing a crime of public indecency during a game.
The Portuguese superstar was accused of making an obscene gesture during Al-Nassr’s defeat to Al Hilal. The incident was captured on video and quickly circulated on social media.
Lawyer Nouf bin Ahmed filed a complaint with the Saudi Prosecutor’s Office, stating that Ronaldo committed “a crime of public dishonour.”
Bin Ahmed, who specializes in International Law, added that the crime is one that entails arrest and deportation if committed by a foreigner.
However, the incident was later dismissed after Al-Nassr explained that Ronaldo was nursing a groin injury at the time and was not deliberately making the gesture.
Implications for Saudi Arabian Society
Rodriguez’s Instagram post and Ronaldo’s recent controversy have brought attention to the contradictions between Saudi Arabian law and the cultural exceptions made for high-profile individuals.
While the country is known for its strict laws, these exceptions raise questions about the extent to which they are being applied and how they impact Saudi Arabian society.
Social media platforms like Instagram have become increasingly popular in Saudi Arabia, with millions of users across the country.
However, the contradictions between social media use and the law have been a source of contention.
In recent years, the government has taken steps to regulate social media use, with penalties including fines and prison sentences.
Georgina Rodriguez’s Instagram post has caused controversy in Saudi Arabia, raising questions about the cultural exceptions made for high-profile individuals.
While Saudi Arabian law prohibits over-exposed or semi-nude images on social media, exceptions have been made for Ronaldo and Rodriguez due to the financial benefits they bring to the country.
Ronaldo’s recent controversy has further highlighted the contradictions between the law and cultural exceptions.
As social media continues to play an increasingly prominent role in Saudi Arabian society, it remains to be seen how these contradictions will be addressed.
