03.05.2026 22:52
A joke told by famous artist Mustafa Keser on stage drew the reaction of the people from Kayseri. Stating that he did not insult the people of Kayseri, Mustafa Keser said in his statement, 'Thank God I have my senses. I am a stage performer. Why would I insult the people of any hometown? Am I crazy? Why would I insult, shoot myself in the foot, and play with my livelihood.'
Famous artist Mustafa Keser faced significant backlash from the people of Kayseri due to a joke he told on stage. Keser, who argued that he did not insult the people of Kayseri, stated that as a stage performer, targeting the people of any province would be illogical.
MUSTAFA KESER: THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO UNDERSTAND WHAT I MEANT
In his statement on his social media account, Keser said: "Dear people of Kayseri, For the past few days, reactions and insults have been circulating on social media claiming that I insulted the people of Kayseri with a joke I told during my stage show. Thank God, there are also sensible people who understand what I meant and comprehend what is read. They have written positive responses to the negative reaction shown. I extend my thanks to them as well.
'WHY WOULD I INSULT THE PEOPLE OF ANY HOMETOWN?'
Thank God I am in my right mind. I am a stage performer. Why would I insult the people of any hometown? Am I crazy? Why would I insult, shoot myself in the foot, and jeopardize my livelihood? Those friends reacting inappropriately can rejoice. My May 15 concert in Kayseri was canceled by the venue authorities. Thank God, I have fans in every corner of my country. Unfortunately, in today's economic conditions, many of them cannot afford to pay 8,000-10,000€ to come to night venues to watch me live. That is why I decided to organize hall concerts.
'I WANTED PEOPLE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH ME AT A LOW COST'
I wanted people to have the opportunity to watch me at a low cost. I do not generate income for myself from these concerts. In fact, I even incurred losses from some of them. I set the ticket prices for hall concerts to cover expenses such as transportation, accommodation, technical equipment, setup, security, health services, advertising, etc. At 81 years old, without any support from any institution or organization, I am trying to offer this service to the public entirely from my own budget.
'LET THEM REJOICE THAT THEY PLAYED WITH THE LIVELIHOODS OF MY COLLEAGUES'
The important part for me is that I have 20 musicians and stage crew working with me. Indirectly, 150 people, including their families, depend on each concert for their livelihood. Let them rejoice, even be proud, that they played with the livelihoods of my working colleagues. Shame on them. I have many friends and family acquaintances in Kayseri. They, too, were saddened by the situation.
Among those showing negative reactions, there is also a Kayseri member of parliament. I was saddened on behalf of the people of Kayseri. I was even saddened on my own behalf. As you know, after being elected, MPs declare, 'I am now the representative of the entire nation, and I will serve everywhere.' I felt sorrow and concern that a person so devoid of reason, unable to understand what they read or hear, and lacking humor, who would drag the issue to religious values with no relevance, is serving for me in parliament. Is this the mindset to serve the country? God protect us.
'IF THERE WERE A SITUATION REQUIRING AN APOLOGY, I WOULD APOLOGIZE TEN TIMES'
If there were a situation requiring an apology here, I would apologize ten times. I also possess that virtue. However, there is no situation that warrants an apology. I am publishing the full video of the joke I told on stage. Please watch and listen carefully. The decision is yours. Sincerely."