19.01.2026 17:40
Esra Erol expressed her sadness, stating that her response to the phrase "The finger that the Sharia cuts does not hurt" was misunderstood, and emphasized that her respect and sensitivity towards the Islamic religion should not be a subject of debate.
Host Esra Erol responded to a guest's statement, "The finger that Sharia cuts does not hurt," by saying, "Sharia is not here, it exists in the Middle East." These words caused a significant reaction on social media.
"EVERYONE WHO KNOWS ME KNOWS MY SENSITIVITY"
While the discussions continued, Esra Erol made a striking statement regarding the issue. Erol, who said, "The response I gave reflexively led to misunderstandings," added, "I am sorry for that. Everyone who knows me, especially my viewers, knows very well the sensitivities with which I have spoken on this screen for years and the values I care about. The respect I have for the religion of Islam, which I believe in with all my heart and show sensitivity towards, has always been a fundamental stance for me."
"NOT IN A MISTAKE THAT WILL QUESTION OUR FAITH..."
The experienced host, stating that she is not in any mistake that would question her faith, said, "As someone who has always been careful not to be in a mistake to avoid hurting, offending, or humiliating anyone throughout my life, I feel sad to be misunderstood."
THE FIRST REACTION CAME FROM HÜDA PAR
HÜDA PAR Gaziantep Deputy Şehzade Demir criticized, saying, "What is behind the love for Esra Erol? Why does the ATV management turn a blind eye to Esra Erol's insistence on staying on television and committing these atrocities despite all the reactions and attacks on our values? Is the issue ratings? If the issue is ratings, it is not wrong to say that our beliefs, values, and general morality are sacrificed for ratings. On behalf of society, we ask; when will Esra Erol's program be canceled and when will this woman be expelled from television?"
DESTİCİ ALSO JOINED THE DEBATE
BBP Chairman Mustafa Destici also joined the debate. In a statement he made on his social media account, targeting Esra Erol and the program, Destici said, "How can someone who openly belittles our faith and values still be able to make a program on a channel that is said to receive unlimited support from the government and the state?"