19.01.2026 11:02
Show TV terminated the employment of Pınar Erbaş, the ex-wife of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, who was arrested in a drug investigation. Erbaş reacted by saying, "I leave it to the public's judgment the contradiction created by citing 'being an ex-wife' as a reason, with the principle of personal nature of the crime."
As part of the drug investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, journalist Mehmet Akif Ersoy was arrested and sent to prison. The court detained Ersoy on charges of "providing a place and means for the use of narcotic substances," "establishing and managing an organization," and "committing crimes for the purpose of gaining sectoral and material benefits." Shortly after being detained, Ersoy was also removed from his position as the Editor-in-Chief at Habertürk TV, which is managed by the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF).
PINAR ERBAŞ HAD WITHDRAWN FROM THE SCREEN ON DECEMBER 19
Following Ersoy's arrest in the drug investigation, his ex-wife and Show TV Main News Bulletin presenter Pınar Erbaş had withdrawn from the screen. On Friday, December 19, Hande Bayraktar presented the Show TV Main News Bulletin instead of Erbaş.
"I RAN OUT OF STRENGTH," SHE SAID
Pınar Erbaş made a statement after her withdrawal from the screen, saying, "For days, I have been presenting news that is shocking and indescribably heavy for me without sleep. In the first days, I thought I could endure it and continue my life without disrupting my work. However, I ran out of strength. I no longer have the energy to present even a single news story related to the issue. Therefore, I requested permission to stay away from the screen for a while. I thank my managers for understanding my request and approaching my situation with sensitivity."
PINAR ERBAŞ WAS DISMISSED FROM HER JOB
Erbaş, who had not been on screen for a long time, announced that she was dismissed from her job at Show TV. In a post on her X account, Erbaş said, "I was on a short leave. First, my leave was extended, and then I was informed that I would not be returning to work at the same place. It is impossible for me to accept being a victim of a story that I cannot even digest being a victim of. It is a great injustice..."
"THE REASON FOR BEING AN EX-WIFE WAS STATED..."
Pınar Erbaş's post read as follows:
"Although I am obliged to convey every news impartially as a main news anchor, I was dismissed from my position because I was not allowed to present 'news related to the ex-wife.'
I was on a short leave. First, my leave was extended, and then I was informed that I would not be returning to work at the same place.
It is impossible for me to accept being a victim of a story that I cannot even digest being a victim of.
It is a great injustice...
Despite being in a situation that cannot be debated legally and morally, I leave it to the public's judgment the contradiction created by stating 'being an ex-wife' as a reason; with the principle of the individuality of the crime.
There is also an aspect of gender inequality in this matter. If I were a woman at the center of these accusations, would the other party have been dismissed? I raised it as a question, but I actually know the answer.
15 years of effort... In my career, which continued with internships, reporting, editing, and anchoring, I climbed every step, witnessed by all my colleagues, through professional principles and ethical rules, with countless struggles like many of us.
The career is mine. I did it all by myself. I can do it again.
But I am very shocked and hurt."