Bio
Maisa is CMO at A47 Media, leading the strategic marketing and growth function alongside business development. She shares opinion pieces on the GCC marketing community.
Editorial Responsibility
Responsible for how A47 shows up in the world, including the brand presence, building equity and community.
Previous experience · 16+ years
- · Former Head of Influencers at More
- · Ex Head of Strategy and Business Development at Empact Middle East
Education
BA Spanish & Literature, University of Jordan
Areas of expertise
Categories overseen
Stories from Maisa Aloul’s desk
412 stories- Culture· Americas
Taylor Frankie Paul charged with domestic assault after video surfaces
Taylor Frankie Paul was involved in a violent altercation with her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, resulting in charges of aggravated assault and domestic violence. The incident, which included physical violence in the presence of their child, has led to the cancellation of her upcoming television projects following the release of a video documenting the assault. This event highlights ongoing issues of domestic violence and may impact the representation of influencers in media and reality television.
6 sourcesMar 21Very High
- Culture· Americas
Chuck Norris, iconic martial artist and actor, passes away at 86
Chuck Norris died on March 19, 2026, at the age of 86 due to a sudden medical emergency in Kauai, Hawaii. His death follows a recent birthday celebration where he appeared healthy, prompting widespread tributes from fans and peers alike. The long-term implication of his passing may lead to renewed interest in his film and television legacy, particularly 'Walker, Texas Ranger'.
11 sourcesMar 21Very High
- Culture· Americas
Rachel Lindsay Declares The Bachelor Franchise Over After Cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul's Season
On March 20, 2026, Rachel Lindsay announced the Bachelor franchise is 'over' following ABC's cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette season due to a leaked domestic violence video. The immediate trigger for this cancellation was the release of footage showing a physical altercation involving Paul, who had a prior conviction for aggravated assault. This incident raises questions about the franchise's future and its vetting processes, potentially leading to significant changes in reality television production standards and practices.
10 sourcesMar 21Moderate
- Culture· Americas
Hachette Book Group Cancels Publication of 'Shy Girl' Over AI Allegations
Hachette Book Group has canceled the U.S. publication of 'Shy Girl' by Mia Ballard and discontinued its U.K. edition due to evidence of significant AI-generated content. The decision follows a report by The New York Times and an independent analysis revealing that 78% of the book's content was AI-generated, raising concerns about originality in publishing. This incident highlights the growing scrutiny and potential regulatory changes regarding AI use in creative industries.
5 sourcesMar 21High
- Culture· Americas
Castmates of Hulu's 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Following Assault Video Release
On March 20, 2026, castmates Miranda McWhorter and Layla Taylor publicly condemned domestic violence after a video surfaced showing Taylor Frankie Paul assaulting her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. This response follows a series of domestic incidents in Utah, leading to police investigations and the suspension of the show's production. The long-term implication may involve a reevaluation of cast participation and brand safety in reality television programming.
5 sourcesMar 21Low
- Culture· Europe
Preliminary Autopsy Confirms Accidental Drowning of University of Alabama Student in Barcelona
James Paul Gracey, a 20-year-old student, was confirmed to have drowned accidentally after falling from a breakwater in Barcelona, with his body recovered on March 19, 2026. The incident occurred shortly after he was last seen at a nightclub, and authorities are awaiting toxicology results to rule out drugging. This tragedy highlights the risks associated with nightlife in tourist areas and may prompt discussions on safety measures for young travelers.
3 sourcesMar 21Moderate
- Culture· Americas
Nationwide Disavowal of César Chávez Honors Following Sexual Abuse Allegations
On March 18, 2026, The New York Times published an investigation detailing sexual abuse allegations against labor leader César Chávez, prompting a rapid movement across the United States to remove his name from public honors. The allegations, based on interviews with over 60 individuals, have surfaced amid a cultural reckoning regarding historical figures and their legacies. This reevaluation is likely to reshape the narrative around civil rights icons and influence future discussions on how to honor complex historical figures.
5 sourcesMar 21Very High
- Culture· Americas
Disney Cancels The Bachelorette Season 22 After Domestic Altercation Video of Taylor Frankie Paul Emerges
On March 19, 2026, Disney canceled Season 22 of The Bachelorette following the release of a video showing Taylor Frankie Paul in a violent altercation with ex-partner Dakota Mortensen. The immediate trigger for this decision was the public outcry and ongoing police investigation into mutual domestic assault allegations between the two. This incident may lead to increased scrutiny of influencer participation in reality television and potential changes in casting practices within the industry.
13 sourcesMar 21Very High
- Culture· Americas
Joseph Duggar Waives Extradition to Florida on Child Molestation Charge
Joseph Duggar waived his right to an extradition hearing in Arkansas after being arrested on charges of child molestation. The arrest follows a confrontation with the victim's father and a recorded confession by Duggar, revealing incidents that allegedly occurred five years ago. This case is likely to reignite public scrutiny of the Duggar family and could lead to further legal repercussions for Duggar and his wife in Arkansas.
10 sourcesMar 21Moderate
- Culture· MENA
GCC Countries Announce March 20, 2026, as Eid al-Fitr Following Crescent Moon Non-Sighting
Saudi Arabia and five other GCC nations declared March 20, 2026, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr after failing to sight the Shawwal crescent moon. This decision was made by supreme courts and moon-sighting committees on March 18, 2026, aligning with traditional lunar sighting practices. The long-term implication includes a projected $60 billion in consumer spending during the Eid celebrations across Gulf markets, highlighting the economic significance of the holiday.
4 sourcesMar 20Low
- Culture· Europe
Len Deighton, Renowned Spy Thriller Author, Passes Away at 97
Len Deighton died on March 15, 2026, at his home in Guernsey at the age of 97. His death comes as the literary world reflects on his significant contributions to the spy genre, particularly through works like The Ipcress File. The long-term implication is a renewed interest in his novels and their adaptations, potentially influencing a new generation of writers and filmmakers in the thriller genre.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Culture· Americas
Taylor Frankie Paul Addresses Domestic Violence Allegations Amid Ongoing Investigation
Taylor Frankie Paul publicly addressed domestic violence allegations involving her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen on March 18, 2026, during an ongoing investigation by the Draper Police Department. The immediate trigger for her statement was the scrutiny surrounding her behavior prior to the premiere of 'The Bachelorette' and the fallout from a February incident. This situation is likely to impact her career in reality television, with productions reportedly paused or canceled as a result of the allegations.
3 sourcesMar 20High
- Culture· Europe
Gerd Faltings awarded 2026 Abel Prize for resolving Mordell conjecture
On March 19, 2026, Gerd Faltings was announced as the recipient of the 2026 Abel Prize for his groundbreaking proof of the Mordell conjecture and contributions to arithmetic geometry. This recognition comes at a time when advancements in mathematical research are gaining increased attention and appreciation globally. The long-term implication is a potential surge in academic collaborations and interest in the field of mathematics, influencing future research directions and educational initiatives.
3 sourcesMar 20Moderate
- Culture· Europe
Neanderthal birch tar shown to have antibacterial properties in recent study
Researchers have demonstrated that birch tar produced using Neanderthal methods exhibits antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus. This finding is prompted by a recent peer-reviewed publication that explores the medicinal potential of ancient materials in light of modern antibiotic resistance. The long-term implication may lead to renewed interest in natural antimicrobials and a reevaluation of Neanderthal health practices in contemporary pharmacology.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Culture· Americas
98th Academy Awards Viewership Declines to 17.9 Million Amid Changing Audience Preferences
The 98th Academy Awards held on March 15, 2026, attracted 17.9 million viewers, reflecting a 9% decline from the previous year. This drop is attributed to shifting audience preferences, with younger viewers favoring social media highlights over traditional live broadcasts. The long-term implication suggests that the Academy may need to adapt its format and distribution strategies to engage a changing demographic landscape.
3 sourcesMar 20Moderate
- Culture· Europe
Sean Penn Awarded Symbolic Oscar Crafted from Ukrainian Railway Metal in Kyiv
On March 16, 2026, Sean Penn received a replica Oscar statuette made from metal of a Russian missile-damaged railway carriage in Kyiv. This presentation followed his absence from the Academy Awards, where he won Best Supporting Actor, as he prioritized visiting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. The event highlights Penn's continued advocacy for Ukraine and may influence further celebrity involvement in humanitarian efforts related to the war.
3 sourcesMar 20Moderate
- Culture· Europe
Kevin Spacey Settles Civil Sexual Assault Claims in London High Court
On March 13, 2026, actor Kevin Spacey reached confidential settlements with three men alleging sexual assaults between 2000 and 2013, resulting in the staying of civil trials at London's High Court. The settlements were ordered by Judge Christina Lambert to avert proceedings scheduled for later in 2026, following Spacey's acquittal in a 2023 criminal trial. This development may influence the ongoing discourse around accountability in the entertainment industry and the handling of sexual misconduct allegations.
4 sourcesMar 20Moderate
- Culture· Asia
Thai man arrested for trespassing into viral pygmy hippo enclosure
On March 17, 2026, a Thai man trespassed into the enclosure of viral pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province, Thailand. The incident occurred during routine cleaning duties when zookeepers were absent, highlighting the risks associated with the animal's newfound fame. This breach may prompt the zoo to enhance security measures to protect both the animals and visitors in the future.
3 sourcesMar 20Moderate
- Culture· Americas
Demolition of Pulse Nightclub Begins to Make Way for Memorial for 2016 Shooting Victims
Demolition of the Pulse nightclub commenced on March 18, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, to prepare the site for a permanent memorial honoring the 49 victims of the June 12, 2016, mass shooting. The City of Orlando acquired the property in October 2023, following failed private fundraising efforts, prompting a design process led by a survivor and family advisory committee. The long-term implication is the establishment of a $12 million memorial, projected to open in September 2027, which aims to provide a space for remembrance and healing in the community.
3 sourcesMar 20Low
- Culture· Americas
Rapper Mystikal Pleads Guilty to Third-Degree Rape in Louisiana
On March 17, 2026, rapper Mystikal pleaded guilty to a third-degree rape charge related to a 2022 assault at his home in Louisiana. This plea deal comes after the original first-degree charge was reduced, allowing for the dismissal of additional serious charges against him. The long-term implication includes a potential 25-year prison sentence, which may further impact his career and public image as a registered sex offender.
4 sourcesMar 20Moderate