“Sherine Abdel-Wahab's crisis has turned into rich material for the media and social networking sites, with people taking sides, either defending or criticising her,” the Egyptian artist's family said in a statement to the media on Tuesday evening.

Public prosecutors have launched an investigation into allegations by the singer that she was forcibly taken to a mental health facility by her brother Mohamed. 

The singer’s lawyer Yasser Kantoush has announced that he will submit a request to the prosecutor-general “to prevent the publication of any news about my client.”

In a phone interview with TV programme Al-Hekaya hosted by Amr Adib, Sherine’s brother claimed that he found that Sherine was “taking drugs” at the apartment where she was staying.

He said that called a medical team to take the singer to a hospital because "she was in need of treatment," refuting reports that she was forcibly hospitalised.

“All I want is for my sister to be well. She is surrounded by a gang,” the brother told Adib.

The singer’s brother, who managed Sherine’s artistic career, explained that the current situation with his sister is “not new” and that he intervened based on concerns expressed by the entire family.

Sherine’s mother Karima Abu Zeid joined the phone interview on Adib’s show, expressing her dismay regarding the possible reconciliation between Sherine and ex-husband Hossam Habib and claimed that he “manipulates” her daughter.

However, Hussein Habib, Hossam's father, said in an exclusive interview with Al Ahram Arabic news website that Sherine is surrounded by people, including psychiatrists, who encourage her to consume drugs and who exploit her financially.

Habib added that his son Hossam “has always tried to save the singer from them all.”

Artists from the region’s entertainment community have expressed their concern for Sherine’s wellbeing. Singer Majida El-Roumi released a public statement wishing the star recovery and strength.