01.04.2025 18:40
The owner of DBL Entertainment, Abdülkadir Özkan, who became the center of reactions after calling those who boycott Espressolab "traitors," has taken a step back. Following calls for a "boycott," Özkan announced that DBL Entertainment has withdrawn from all projects, including the concerts of world-famous artists Robbie Williams, Muse, and Trevor Noah in Istanbul.
After the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel called for a boycott of certain companies. Among the companies that Özel wanted to be boycotted was the famous coffee chain Espressolab.
REMARKS THAT SPARKED REACTIONS FROM THOSE BOYCOTTING ESPRESSOLAB
Abdülkadir Özkan, the owner of DBL Entertainment, which organized the concerts of world-famous artists Robbie Williams, Muse, and Trevor Noah in Istanbul, caused a stir by calling those boycotting Espressolab "traitors to the homeland."
AFTER THE "BOYCOTT" CALLS, THE ORGANIZATION COMPANY TOOK A STEP BACK
Following the announcement that Robbie Williams, Muse, and Trevor Noah would perform in Istanbul in DBL Entertainment's 2025 event calendar, a call for a "boycott" was made against the company. After the public's reaction, Abdülkadir Özkan, the owner of DBL Entertainment, was forced to take a step back.
“MY POST WAS TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT AND INTERPRETED DIFFERENTLY”
Özkan stated in a social media post that they have withdrawn from all projects. In his statement, Özkan said: "It is respectfully announced to the public. I am saddened to see that a recent post I made on my personal social media account has been taken out of context and interpreted differently, creating sensitivity in the public. In my post, while criticizing acts of violence directed at a specific workplace, I was deeply disturbed by the perception that young people exercising their democratic right to protest were being targeted.
“ACTS OF VIOLENCE HARM FREEDOM SPACES”
I believe that one of Turkey's fundamental values, freedom of expression and protest, should be used in a manner free from violence. I have always believed in the constructive and transformative power of social energy, and I will continue to do so. However, I think that violent actions harm these areas of freedom and do not resonate with the public conscience.
“THE TARGET OF MY CRITICISM IS NOT PEACEFUL PROTEST BUT RADICAL ATTITUDES”
I would like to express that the target of my criticism is not the peaceful protest exercised by the youth using their constitutional rights, but the radical attitudes that provoke this right to create an environment of violence. As someone who has worked for years to contribute to our country with the universal language of art and culture, I am aware of the importance of meeting on common ground with all segments of society.
“WE ARE WITHDRAWING FROM ALL PROJECTS”
Until today, we have brought the world's respected artists to our country solely with the vision we believe in, without any political or institutional support. As a young and determined group, we have been proud to host world-renowned artists like Andrea Bocelli, whom we believe our youth should see on stage, for nearly 20 years, despite being "forgotten" by the global music industry. I do not want these successes to be overshadowed by personal disputes, and in order to ensure that what has happened during this process does not negatively affect my valuable team members and the projects we are carrying out, DBL Entertainment is withdrawing from all projects. We hope to meet again in the climate of peace and tranquility that Turkey needs…”