Rima Rahbani, sister of the late Lebanese composer and pianist Ziad Rahbani, has said she believes her brother's death was caused by a medical mistake or negligence. Her comments were reported by CNN Arabic on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
In her statement, Rima Rahbani said Ziad's death was the result of "a mistake or medical negligence," according to CNN Arabic. The outlet did not provide further details on the specific circumstances or the medical care involved.
Ziad Rahbani, who died recently, was a prominent figure in Lebanese music and theater. He was the son of the legendary singer Fairuz and the composer Assi Rahbani. His work spanned decades and included scores for films, plays, and albums that blended jazz, classical, and Arabic musical traditions.
The claim has drawn attention in the region. Other outlets, including the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, also reported Rima Rahbani's remarks, describing the alleged cause as a "big medical mistake or negligence." A separate report from the news site khabrabyad.com said sources indicated that Fairuz's family was considering legal action over suspicions that Ziad's death involved a medical error.
The reports come as a tribute event for Ziad Rahbani was held at the Maarouf Saad Cultural Center in Sidon, according to the Tawasol news network. That event appears to have taken place around the same time as Rima Rahbani's public statement.
No official confirmation of the cause of death has been provided in the material reviewed. The family has not issued a formal statement beyond Rima Rahbani's comments as reported by CNN Arabic.
What to watch next: whether the family pursues legal action and whether any official medical review is launched into the circumstances of Ziad Rahbani's death.
