The mayor, who has been alleged to have an affair with Özgür Özel, has broken his silence.

Claims have emerged in some media outlets that CHP Chairman Özgür Özel had an affair with Manisa Şehzadeler Mayor Gülşah Durbay. Following these bombshell allegations, which drew significant attention, Gülşah Durbay responded to the news about her by releasing a video on her social media account.

ANNOUNCED SHE HAS COLON CANCER

Durbay, who published a video titled "This statement is for my city, my family, my party, and all people with a conscience," stated that she was slandered and mentioned that she has taken legal action against hundreds of people who made the allegations. Announcing that she has colon cancer, Durbay said, "I couldn't explain my illness to my sister, who is expecting a baby. I couldn't talk to her. I will never forget the pain of that. I will never forgive."

"IT WAS NOT SOMETHING MY DOCTORS EXPECTED"

Durbay stated in her announcement: "Dear citizens of Manisa; on August 2, I underwent a bowel operation performed by Associate Professor Tayfun Bişgin at İzmir 9 Eylül University Hospital due to a bowel disorder I have been experiencing since 2008. I recovered from the difficulties I faced after the operation. I returned to my duties better than before. However, on September 4, I learned from the pathology report that I have colon cancer. Given that both the surgery and my post-operative health were good, the result was not something either I or my doctors expected."

"BECAUSE MY SISTER HAD A HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY..."

As I mentioned earlier, with my doctor's approval, I had started my duties in a very healthy manner without any complaints. After the diagnosis, we evaluated how to continue my duties in the strongest way possible while receiving the best treatment with all the expert teams. I wanted to share the entire process with you transparently. However, I postponed making a statement to avoid affecting the health of my sister and my unborn niece, as my sister had a high-risk pregnancy and there was a risk of premature birth.

"I COULDN'T EXPLAIN MY ILLNESS TO MY SISTER"

Because of the despicable slanders directed at me, my family had to rush to Istanbul to explain the situation to my sister while I was receiving my first chemotherapy at İzmir Medicana Hospital yesterday due to these news. I couldn't explain my illness to my sister, who is expecting a baby. I couldn't talk to her. I will never forget the pain of that. I will never forgive. Since the day I had surgery, I have been subjected to many slanders and lies in a planned manner by an organized, intolerant group. Recently, a despicable person circulated a very ugly, nonsensical article filled with lies, targeting me, my family, and my esteemed Chairman. I want to make it clear that I have taken legal action against more than 100 individuals and institutions since yesterday.

"I WILL HOLD THEM ALL ACCOUNTABLE ONE BY ONE"

I will hold these despicable individuals accountable in the eyes of the law and ensure they are punished one by one. Some of those who learned they were being sued immediately removed their writings and tried to contact me, sending apology messages. From this point on, no apology holds any value in the eyes of me or my family. Those who have made these vile slanders against me will be punished. How sad it is that we women not only face physical violence, harassment, and murder in this society, but we are also targeted by such heartless male-dominated political calculations.

THANKED ÖZGÜR ÖZEL AND HIS WIFE

Since yesterday, I have received thousands of calls and messages on my phone and social media. Those who couldn't reach me called my friends. They all conveyed their endless support and said they were by my side. In my 36 years of life, I have always encountered the right people, and I am proud of myself. You did not give credence to this ugly slander and gave me strength; you provided me with great morale without knowing my illness. I thank each and every one of you. My biggest thanks go to my esteemed Chairman, Mr. Özgür Özel, who has provided me with the greatest support since the day he learned about my illness, and to my dear sister Didem. I will carry your support in my heart for the rest of my life.

"I FEEL MUCH BETTER AND STRONGER"

Dear friends, valuable citizens, with your support, we achieved a first in Manisa's history; I experienced the pride of being Manisa's first female mayor at the age of 36. Again, with your support, I will overcome this illness as well. Right now, I feel much better and stronger; I will serve Şehzadeler, disregarding the test results written on white paper that say I am sick, and with your support and love, I will defeat this illness. We will heal together, we will grow stronger together. I love you all very much!

WHAT HAPPENED?

Yesterday, an article titled "Did Özgür Özel's knot unravel in Şehzadeler?" was published on a website signed by Ebru Küçükaydın, claiming that there was a relationship between Özgür Özel and Gülşah Durbay. The article also suggested that Özel's leg was broken in a fight related to this relationship. Following the article, the allegations began to circulate on social media, and many news sites reported the story.