In the high-velocity world of Saudi sports media, where a single clip can spark a national conversation, journalist Majid Al-Tuwaijri has stepped forward to clear the air. Following a wave of speculation regarding his sudden departure from the “Kora” program, Al-Tuwaijri has explicitly denied that a viral personal moment played any role in his exit from the show.
The controversy centered on a video in which Al-Tuwaijri appeared to congratulate a woman referred to as “Khalti Modhi” (Aunt Modhi). As rumors swirled on social media that this personal interaction had led to professional repercussions, Al-Tuwaijri took to X (formerly Twitter) to dismantle the narrative, urging his followers to separate his private life from his professional transitions.
The departure is not an isolated incident, as fellow media personality Turki Al-Ajma also exited the program. The simultaneous exit of two prominent voices has left viewers questioning the internal dynamics of “Kora,” especially as the move coincided with one of the most critical windows in the Saudi football calendar.
Addressing the “Khalti Modhi” Narrative
For several days, social media threads and commentary sections were dominated by theories linking Al-Tuwaijri’s professional status to the “Khalti Modhi” video. In a region where the intersection of traditional values and public persona is closely scrutinized, the clip became a lightning rod for speculation.
Al-Tuwaijri’s response was direct and dismissive of the rumors. He emphasized that those believing the video caused his exit were mistaken, stating that the matter had “absolutely no relation” to his departure from the program. His insistence that the public “forget Khalti Modhi” suggests a desire to shift the focus back to his professional trajectory rather than a viral family moment.
“Those who believe that I and journalist Turki Al-Ajma left the Kora program because of the clip of me congratulating my aunt Modhi are mistaken; this matter has absolutely no relation to it.”
The journalist noted that he felt compelled to speak out due to the sheer volume of messages and comments he received on X. This reaction highlights the intense pressure placed on Saudi media figures, who often find their personal lives dissected by a highly engaged digital audience.
The Impact of Simultaneous Departures
While the “Khalti Modhi” video provided the social media fuel, the professional reality is the loss of two established analysts: Majid Al-Tuwaijri and Turki Al-Ajma. Their exit represents a significant shift in the program’s on-air chemistry.
In the competitive landscape of Saudi sports broadcasting, personalities often drive viewership as much as the analysis itself. Al-Tuwaijri is known for a style that blends authoritative insight with a provocative edge, making his absence a notable change for the “Kora” audience. The fact that Al-Ajma left alongside him suggests a broader structural or contractual shift within the production rather than an individual disciplinary action.
The timing of the exit added another layer of complexity. Al-Tuwaijri acknowledged that the public’s attention was largely focused on the football pitch, specifically the final match of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup. The tension of a major final often amplifies the visibility of any change in the broadcasting team, as fans look for familiar voices to guide them through the game’s drama.
Timeline of the Controversy
| Event | Context | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Viral Video Release | Al-Tuwaijri congratulates “Khalti Modhi” | Widespread social media discussion |
| Program Exit | Al-Tuwaijri and Turki Al-Ajma leave “Kora” | Speculation of a link to the video |
| Public Denial | Al-Tuwaijri posts clarification on X | Explicit denial of the rumor |
| Match Window | Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup Final | High visibility of the broadcasting change |
The Broader Context of Saudi Sports Media
This episode reflects a wider trend in the Saudi media ecosystem, where the boundaries between professional journalism and social media influence are increasingly blurred. Sports analysts in the Kingdom are no longer just commentators; they are brands with massive digital footprints.
When a personality like Al-Tuwaijri exits a platform, the vacuum is immediately filled by “digital detectives” and speculators. The speed at which the “Khalti Modhi” theory gained traction demonstrates how quickly personal content can be weaponized or misinterpreted to explain professional changes. For Al-Tuwaijri, the challenge is not just moving to a new project, but managing a narrative that attempted to link his family affections to his career stability.
the departure underscores the volatility of sports media contracts in the region, where shifts in production direction or talent realignment can happen rapidly, often without detailed public explanations from the networks themselves.
As of now, the production team of “Kora” has not released an official statement regarding the reasons for the departures or who will be filling the void left by Al-Tuwaijri and Al-Ajma. The focus remains on the journalists’ next moves in an industry that is currently expanding at an unprecedented rate due to the global influx of talent and investment into Saudi football.
The next confirmed checkpoint for followers of Al-Tuwaijri will be his next professional appointment or a formal statement from the program’s producers regarding the new season’s lineup. Until then, the “Khalti Modhi” chapter appears to be closed by the journalist’s own hand.
Do you think social media speculation is unfairly impacting sports journalism in the region? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
