FX assures CAIR that ‘Tyrant’ will be respectful of Muslims

FX wants Muslims to know that its upcoming drama series “Tyrant” will to be respectful of Islam after leaders of the Council on American-Islamic Relations raised concerns over potential stereotyping.

CAIR, which bills itself as “the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization,” sent a letter to FX President John Landgraf last week asking for a sit-down meeting to address concerns about “potential Islamophobic stereotyping” in the new series, the Los Angeles Times reported.

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

It was not immediately clear if FX agreed to a formal meeting, but the network issued a statement Monday welcoming “continued dialogue” on the subject.

“FX, Fox 21 and the producers recognize that some people may have some concerns over possible stereotyping in ’Tyrant,’” the statement read, the Times reported. “For the past several months, the network, studio and producers have had internal and external discussions to address those concerns.

“There have been conversations with the Muslim Public Affairs Council and with Muslims on Screen and Television, and all parties involved with ’Tyrant’ look forward to continued dialogue with those organizations,” the statement said.

“Tyrant,” premiering June 24, “tells the story of an unassuming American family drawn into the workings of a turbulent Middle Eastern nation,” a description on the website reads. “Bassam ’Barry’ Al Fayeed, the younger son of the dictator of a war-torn nation, ends a self-imposed 20-year exile to return to his homeland, accompanied by his American wife and children, for his nephew’s wedding. Barry’s reluctant homecoming leads to a dramatic clash of cultures as he is thrown back into the familial and national politics of his youth.”