13.07.2026 17:11
After the detention of Ahbap Association President Haluk Levent on allegations of irregularities and money laundering, famous comedian Cem Yılmaz's "big heist" reference made years ago in his show came to mind again.
The investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against the Ahbap Association, which led to the detention of Haluk Levent and 20 others, continues to shake Turkey's agenda. Following the investigation, which includes charges of "laundering assets obtained from crime," "establishing and managing a criminal organization," and "violating the Associations Law," the words allegedly spoken by Cem Yılmaz during his 2019 show came to mind.
THE "BIG SCAM" CLAIM IN THE SHOW 7 YEARS AGO
Some audience members who watched Cem Yılmaz's stand-up show at Zorlu PSM in 2019 claimed that the famous comedian made a striking allusion to Haluk Levent on stage. According to those who attended the show, Yılmaz made a humorous reference to Haluk Levent's charitable activities, saying, "The big scam is coming soon to theaters."
HALUK LEVENT REACTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA
After these rumors spread by word of mouth at the time, Haluk Levent directly addressed Cem Yılmaz on his social media account, making a statement with the following words:
"Dear @CMYLMZ. We all love you very much. Could three different people have misheard? If they watched the wrong show, I apologize. If not, please explain the 'scam' to the whole country now, not 'soon.' If there is even 1 TL involved, I swear on my honor I will leave the country. Please write back?"
"CRITICIZE MY MUSIC, IS THIS SOMETHING TO JOKE ABOUT?"
Following this exchange, Levent responded to a social media user's comment, "Our audience wasn't stunned. It was a joke, and people laughed and moved on," emphasizing that there should be no jokes about honesty and transparency, continuing his reaction:
"Criticize my music, criticize my appearance, criticize my speech—I won't say anything, I'll even laugh. But is this something to joke about?"
CEM YILMAZ SAID, "WE'RE JOKING"
In response to Haluk Levent's reaction, Cem Yılmaz said, "I said something about Haluk Levent, and messages poured in saying 'Haluk Levent is a very good person.' Yeah, we're joking. People have gone completely crazy."