Iranian Hardliners Want Actress Flogged for 'Sinful' Kiss at Cannes

An Iranian actress is facing increasing blacklash in her country, including a call for public flogging — all for a kiss on the cheek.

Leila Hatami, a 41-year-old, award-winning actress, sparked outrage amongst conservatives in Iran for giving Gilles Jacob, the president of the Cannes Film Festival, a peck on the cheek on the festival's red carpet last week, where she is a member of the jury. The picture of her seemingly innocent kiss quickly made the rounds and Iranian officials accused her of flouting Iranians' "chastity" and the country's religious beliefs.