A wave of high-profile Turkish actors, singers, and social media influencers was summoned by prosecutors this week in Istanbul as part of a wide-reaching narcotics investigation, sending ripples through the Turkish entertainment industry.
Nineteen high-profile celebrities were called on October 8 to the gendarmerie headquarters to provide statements and blood samples. The list includes, among others, singer Hadise (Eurovision 2009) as well as numerous actors such as Demet Evgar and Özge Özpirinçci. None of those named were detained, according to Turkish media reports.
The prosecutor’s office has released little detail, citing confidentiality. Lawyers for several of the Turkish celebrities have publicly rejected the allegations, stressing that their clients have no involvement with what is being reported. Hadise’s legal team issued a press release stating that “most of the news, commentary, and allegations appearing in the press and social media do not reflect the truth and are merely speculation,” and reaffirmed her “commitment to law, social responsibilities, and ethical values.”
The operation has raised questions about whether it is yet another sign of political pressure on the country’s cultural sector. This is not the first time Turkish celebrities have faced legal challenges under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government. In recent months, musician Mabel Matiz has been investigated over alleged obscenity in a song, while members of the girl band Manifest are facing charges of “indecent behaviour” because of their dance routines.
Journalists have also been targeted, with veteran commentator Fatih Altaylı currently on trial for allegedly making “threatening” remarks against the president.
The Case of Altaylı
Altaylı, a journalist of over 40 years, found himself in Erdogan’s crosshairs after discussing a national poll on his hit show on YouTube. He was arrested in June for allegedly making threats against President Erdogan, but his show has continued to air. The difference is that the chair he used to sit in is now empty. His letters from prison are read by his producer. He talks of life in jail, comments on politics, and even managed to interview fellow inmate, Istanbul’s suspended mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Despite his channel being more popular than ever, a few days after the beginning of his trial, where he pleaded not guilty, he announced that the broadcasts would stop because of his ill health. For now, he is left waiting in jail for his next hearing in late November.
An empty chair takes center stage at a TV studio set where imprisoned Turkish journalist Fatih Altayli continues to deliver news on his YouTube show through letters read by his assistant, in Istanbul, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Plaques are displayed at the Teke Tek Medya news agency where imprisoned Turkish journalist Fatih Altayli continues to deliver comments on his YouTube show through letters read by his assistant, in Istanbul, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
