Wave of Harassment and Abuse Allegations Roils Turkey’s Arts and Culture Scene

• Over 100 men in Turkey’s arts and entertainment sectors, including photographers, musicians, and filmmakers, have been accused of sexual harassment and assault.
• Victims are sharing testimonies of coerced nudity, unauthorized photo sharing, and physical abuse, mirroring the global #MeToo movement.
• Some institutions have severed ties with accused individuals, though formal legal charges remain scarce.

Key Accusations

• Gökhan Özoğuz (Athena lead singer): Allegedly messaged a fan for nude photos and invited her to a hotel.
• Mesut Süre (Comedian): Accused of a decade of harassment; producers canceled his show "İlişki Testi."
• Oda Tiyatrosu: An unnamed director was accused of exploiting young actors via "undressed auditions."
• Kültigin Kağan Akbulut (Argonotlar founder): Stepped down following allegations of unwanted physical contact and verbal harassment.
• Selim Evci (Filmmaker): Accused of sexual assault during an internship interview; Mubi Turkey removed his films.

Legal and Systemic Challenges

• The burden of proof rests heavily on victims, and many cases occur outside the strict six-month filing window for crimes in Turkey.
• Conviction rates for sexual assault are low, with many cases dismissed, leading victims to rely on public exposure rather than the courts.
• Turkey’s 2021 withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention and government promotion of traditional "family-first" narratives have complicated support for survivors.

Cultural Impact and Solidarity

• Activists argue that delayed disclosures are a result of trauma and power imbalances, not a lack of credibility.
• The hashtag #susmabitsin ("speak up to end") has mobilized solidarity among writers, actors, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Experts note that this wave is different from previous ones due to a more collective awareness and institutional support, though structural impunity remains a major hurdle.