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
736 stories- 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
- Culture· Americas
Generative AI to Feature Val Kilmer in Lead Role of 'As Deep as the Grave'
Producers announced the use of generative AI to recreate Val Kilmer's performance in the film 'As Deep as the Grave'. This decision comes after the project was previously halted due to Kilmer's health issues and subsequent passing, with the AI likeness approved by his estate. The long-term implication may spark further ethical debates in Hollywood regarding the use of AI for posthumous performances and its impact on the film industry.
8 sourcesMar 20High
- Culture· Americas
Joseph Duggar Arrested on Child Molestation Charges in Arkansas
Joseph Duggar was arrested on March 18, 2026, in Tontitown, Arkansas, facing charges of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12 years old. The arrest follows allegations made by a now-14-year-old girl, who reported that Duggar molested her multiple times during a family vacation in 2020. This incident could lead to significant legal consequences for Duggar, including a potential sentence of 25 years to life imprisonment if convicted in Florida.
4 sourcesMar 20High
- Culture· Americas
Afroman Wins Defamation Lawsuit Against Ohio Sheriff's Deputies
On March 18, 2026, a jury in Adams County, Ohio ruled in favor of rapper Afroman, dismissing all claims in a defamation and invasion-of-privacy lawsuit brought by seven sheriff's deputies. The lawsuit stemmed from Afroman's use of home security footage from a warrantless raid in his viral music videos, which he argued was protected under the First Amendment. This verdict may set a precedent for similar cases involving artistic expression and law enforcement actions in the future.
7 sourcesMar 20High
- Culture· Europe
University of Alabama Student Found Dead in Barcelona After Nightclub Disappearance
James Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student, was found dead in Barcelona two days after going missing from a nightclub. His disappearance was reported following a night out during spring break, prompting a search by local authorities. The incident raises concerns about safety for tourists in nightlife areas and may lead to increased scrutiny of security measures at such venues.
5 sourcesMar 20Low
- Culture· Americas
ABC Cancels The Bachelorette Season 22 Amid Domestic Assault Investigation
On March 19, 2026, ABC canceled Season 22 of The Bachelorette just days before its premiere due to an ongoing domestic assault investigation involving lead Taylor Frankie Paul. The cancellation was triggered by the resurfacing of a two-year-old video showing Paul attacking her former partner, which raised serious concerns about family safety. This incident is likely to impact the reality television landscape, prompting networks to reassess their vetting processes for participants amid rising scrutiny over personal conduct and public safety.
12 sourcesMar 20High
- Culture· Americas
Taylor Frankie Paul arrested for domestic assault after altercation with ex-boyfriend
Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested for physically assaulting her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen in a private residence in Utah, with the incident captured on video. The altercation occurred following a night of drinking, exacerbated by personal issues including her divorce and an ectopic pregnancy. The long-term implications may include significant impacts on Paul's public image and career, as evidenced by the cancellation of her upcoming reality show season.
6 sourcesMar 20Very High
- Culture· MENA
Gulf States Announce March 20, 2026, as Eid al-Fitr Following Crescent Non-Sighting
Saudi Arabia and four Gulf states have declared March 20, 2026, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr after the Shawwal crescent was not sighted on March 18. This decision comes as moon sighting committees failed to observe the crescent, leading to a full 30 days of Ramadan fasting. The coordinated announcement aims to ensure synchronized celebrations across the region, impacting cultural and social activities during the holiday period.
4 sourcesMar 19Low
- Culture· Americas
KPop Demon Hunters wins Oscar for Best Original Song at 98th Academy Awards
The animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters' won the Oscar for Best Original Song with 'Golden', marking a historic first for K-pop in this category. This achievement comes as the film, released in June 2025, gained massive popularity on Netflix and was celebrated at the Critics' Choice Awards earlier this year. The success is likely to further elevate the global profile of K-pop and its integration into mainstream media and entertainment.
3 sourcesMar 19Low
- Culture· Europe
Len Deighton, influential British spy novelist, passes away at 97
Len Deighton died on March 15, 2026, at the age of 97 in Guernsey, Channel Islands. His death marks the end of a significant literary career that redefined the spy genre, particularly with works like 'The Ipcress File'. The long-term implication is a renewed interest in Deighton's contributions to literature, potentially influencing new adaptations and scholarly discussions on espionage fiction.
3 sourcesMar 19Moderate
- Culture· Americas
One Battle After Another wins Best Picture and six Oscars at the 98th Academy Awards
The 98th Academy Awards took place on March 15, 2026, with One Battle After Another winning Best Picture and five additional awards. This recognition follows a strong awards season performance and highlights a shift towards original storytelling amid ongoing global tensions. The success of Warner Bros. with 11 total Oscars may influence future filmmaking trends and industry dynamics.
3 sourcesMar 19Moderate
- Culture· Americas
98th Academy Awards Records 17.9 Million Viewers Amid Declining Ratings
The 98th Academy Awards held on March 15, 2026, attracted 17.9 million viewers, marking a 9 percent decline from the previous year. This drop is attributed to increased competition from sports programming and a shift in viewer preferences towards social media highlights. The long-term implication suggests that the Academy may need to further adapt its format and distribution strategies to maintain relevance in a fragmented media landscape.
3 sourcesMar 19Moderate
- Culture· Americas
'Sinners' Wins Four Oscars from Record 16 Nominations at 98th Academy Awards
'Sinners' secured four Academy Awards, including Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay, from a historic 16 nominations at the 98th Oscars. This achievement follows a successful awards season trajectory and significant audience acclaim, particularly for its cultural representation and innovative storytelling. The film's success is likely to enhance Warner Bros.' market position and influence future projects in the film industry.
6 sourcesMar 19Moderate
- Culture· Americas
'One Battle After Another' Wins Best Picture at 98th Academy Awards
'One Battle After Another' won the Best Picture award at the 98th Academy Awards, marking a significant achievement for the film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film's success follows a strong awards season performance, including 13 nominations and wins at precursor events, reflecting its resonance with contemporary themes of extremism. This victory is likely to enhance the film's cultural impact and boost Warner Bros.' prestige in the competitive entertainment landscape.
4 sourcesMar 19Moderate
- Culture· Europe
Sean Penn Receives Symbolic Oscar from Ukrainian Railways in Kyiv
On March 17, 2026, actor Sean Penn was presented with a replica Oscar made from a missile-damaged Ukrainian railway carriage at Kyiv's central train station. This event occurred after Penn skipped the Academy Awards to show solidarity with Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. The gesture highlights the resilience of Ukraine's infrastructure and aims to raise international awareness of the challenges faced by the country during the war.
3 sourcesMar 19Moderate
- Culture· Americas
Generative AI to Feature Posthumous Performance of Val Kilmer in Upcoming Film
On March 18, 2026, the independent film 'As Deep as the Grave' announced the use of generative AI to feature a posthumous performance by Val Kilmer. This development comes nearly one year after Kilmer's death, as filmmakers utilize AI technology with the approval of his estate to recreate his likeness for the role of Father Fintan. The long-term implication may lead to broader acceptance and ethical discussions surrounding the use of AI in recreating performances of deceased actors in cinema.
3 sourcesMar 19High - Culture· Americas
Rapper Mystikal Pleads Guilty to Third-Degree Rape in Louisiana Court
Michael Lawrence Tyler, known as Mystikal, entered a guilty plea to third-degree rape on March 17, 2026, related to a 2022 assault at his home in Ascension Parish. This plea follows a lengthy pretrial period and a plea agreement that reduced his potential sentence from life to a maximum of 25 years. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding recidivism among registered sex offenders and may influence public discourse on sexual violence and legal accountability in the music industry.
3 sourcesMar 19High