Islamic Iran embroiled in sex tape scandal: top regime official suspended after leaked video ‘showing him having sex with a man
Islamic Iran Embroiled in Sex-Tape Scandal: Top Regime Official Suspended After Leaked Video ‘Showing Him Having Sex With a Man’
In a startling scandal that has sent shockwaves through Iran’s conservative establishment, Reza Seqati, the director-general of Culture and Islamic Guidance in Gilan province, has been suspended following the leak of a video purportedly showing him engaging in sexual activity with another man (Bách khoa toàn thư Wikipedia, IranTimes). The footage, which surfaced on the “Radio Gilan” Telegram channel, quickly drew widespread attention and generated intense debate about hypocrisy within the regime (Bách khoa toàn thư Wikipedia, ایران اینترنشنال | Iran International).
The Culture Ministry initially remained silent, but on July 22, 2023, the Gilan cultural authorities released a terse statement referring to a “suspected misstep” by Seqati and confirming that judicial and security bodies were investigating (Bách khoa toàn thư Wikipedia, IranTimes). Despite the gravity of the allegations—including that homosexuality remains punishable by death under Sharia law in Iran—the focus has largely shifted to the scandal’s implications for regime credibility (IranTimes, ایران اینترنشنال | Iran International).
Many Iranians voiced outrage, not necessarily at the private behavior itself, but at the glaring double standard: officials who enforce moral codes and hijab rules on citizens being caught violating those same principles in their private lives (ایران اینترنشنال | Iran International, observers.france24.com).
Amid swirling speculation, some observers suggest the tape may be part of a political vendetta or intraregional power struggle—accusations of homosexual activity have historically been weaponized to derail rivals (iranwire.com, Bách khoa toàn thư Wikipedia). Indeed, rumors emerged that Seqati’s relatives were detained following the leak (iranwire.com, Advocate.com).
While Seqati remains silent and the investigation continues, the episode has laid bare the fragility of the regime’s moral authority and the tensions between public piety and private conduct.
