"RTÜK examines Ferdi Tayfur with presenter Özuğurlu."

The legendary figure of Arabesque music, Ferdi Tayfur's death has plunged the art community into mourning, while the words spoken by Tele 1 host Musa Özuğurlu about the master artist during a live broadcast drew significant backlash.

INVESTIGATION INITIATED

The President of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), Ebubekir Şahin, announced on his social media account that Tele 1's broadcast is being investigated due to Özuğurlu's remarks, and a report will be prepared. In his statement, Şahin said, "The immoral comments made about our music world's painful loss, Ferdi Tayfur, on Tele 1 screens are under our attention. The disrespectful behavior towards the late artist, who has become a part of the public and won the hearts of the masses, is being examined by our experts. Ferdi Tayfur, who has saddened his fans with his tragic loss, will always hold a place in the hearts of our esteemed nation. We cannot accept the disrespect shown to his spiritual persona, his family, and his admirers. The expert report to be prepared following the initiated investigation, in accordance with the broadcasting ethical rules accepted by both law and media, will soon be on the agenda of RTÜK," he stated.

WHAT DID HE SAY?

Özuğurlu, during the live broadcast on Tele 1 regarding Ferdi Tayfur's death, said, "Ferdi Tayfur is dead, everyone is praising him. He was terrible artistically. We are talking about someone who made weepy Arabesque music. From a musical perspective, it was terrible, I mean that much."

MERDAN YANARDAĞ APOLOGIZED

Following the backlash, Tele1's General Broadcast Director Merdan Yanardağ apologized on behalf of the institution to the artist's relatives and fans. Yanardağ stated, "Musa Özuğurlu, who hosts the 'Morning Compass' program aired on our channel during the week, made words that exceeded the purpose while announcing the news of the deceased artist Ferdi Tayfur (this morning). First of all, we want to state that we do not agree with these words, and on behalf of the institution, we apologize to the valuable artist's relatives and fans. Although our colleague's intention was not to insult, the perception is in that direction. Therefore, we are very sorry. We wish mercy upon the valuable artist and, as I mentioned in the '18 Minutes' program last night, we pay our respects to his memory. We would like to state that we will make a new arrangement regarding the mentioned program."