Prominent US Muslim Group Calls for Meeting with FX about New Series 'Tyrant'

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/30/14) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said it has asked the Fox subsidiary FX Networks for a meeting to discuss community concerns about potential Islamophobic stereotyping in the upcoming series "Tyrant" due to air June 24.

According to the network, "Tyrant tells the story of an unassuming American family drawn into the workings of a turbulent Middle Eastern nation."

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In a letter to FX CEO John Landgraf, CAIR wrote in part:

"Because of these [community] concerns, we respectfully request an opportunity to view and comment on the series content prior to its air date. We also request a meeting at your convenience between FX representatives and leaders of the American Muslim community to discuss ways in which we can help mitigate the possible negative impact of this series on the lives of ordinary American Muslims...

"We have no desire to inhibit the creative process or your right to produce any entertainment content you wish. However, it is our duty to defend the safety of the American Muslim community and help ensure the accurate portrayal of Muslims and Islam."

In the past, CAIR has challenged actual and potential anti-Muslim stereotypes in productions such as ABC Family network's "Alice in Arabia," "Executive Decision," "24," "The Siege," "True Lies," "Rules of Engagement," "Obsession," "The Third Jihad," "Jihad in America," and "The Sum of All Fears."

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.