26.01.2026 20:52
Sports commentator and former referee Ahmet Çakar, who was sued for his words "ignorant, superficial, populist" regarding the famous singer Hadise, apologized to the singer and sought forgiveness. Çakar said, "I was found at fault by the court for the words I used towards Ms. Hadise, one of Turkey's most beloved artists. Ms. Hadise, please forgive me."
Sports commentator and former referee Ahmet Çakar publicly apologized after being found at fault by the court for his past remarks about singer Hadise. Çakar's statement was the final step following a long legal process.
IGNORANT, KEZBAN, POPULIST
The crisis with Hadise began in the late period of 2024. The famous singer used candid expressions about her private life and past relationships during a YouTube program she attended on December 15, 2024. Following these statements, which resonated widely in some circles, former referee and sports commentator Ahmet Çakar targeted Hadise in another program, using harsh expressions; he described the artist as "rude and uncultured," claiming that her statements were a bad example for the youth of society, which drew reactions on social media. Çakar had said, "Look, Ms. Hadise. You are not only ignorant and a kezban but also a person who is an extension of the populist culture that sets a bad example for Turkish young girls."
50 THOUSAND TL MORAL COMPENSATION LAWSUIT
Hadise filed a moral compensation lawsuit for 50 thousand TL, stating that these words constituted an attack on her personal rights. In the case heard at the Beykoz Civil Court of First Instance, the court found Hadise justified and ruled that Çakar should pay the moral compensation along with legal interest.
APOLOGY FROM ÇAKAR
After the court's decision, Ahmet Çakar stated the following in a statement he made on his social media account:
"I was found at fault by the court for the words I directed towards one of Turkey's most beloved artists, Ms. Hadise. The judicial decision is correct. Sometimes criticism exceeds its purpose. Ms. Hadise, please forgive me; I apologize to you and your loved ones."
In his statement, Çakar expressed his respect for the court's decision and acknowledged that criticism could exceed its limits. This behavior was regarded as an example of "taking responsibility for erroneous statements" in the public eye.
No new statement has yet been made by Hadise regarding this apology.