ISTANBUL - A Turkish politician has criticized celebrities who publicly endorse political candidates following a drug examination involving prominent figures in teh entertainment industry. MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız referenced a quote from former British Prime Minister Tony Blair,arguing that celebrities overstepping into direct political instruction can backfire.
Yıldız shared Blair’s memoir excerpt on social media, stating: “Experience is a guide at all times and under all circumstances. Tony Blair states in his memoirs about his political journey that he benefited from the influence provided by celebrities and adds: ‘Celebrities add sparkle and excitement to a task that is frequently enough boring. Though, if they do not lecture the people about why and how to vote, then the situation changes and leads to disaster. The public thinks that they have exceeded their limits and shows them and their political comrades the way.'”
The post follows an October 8th operation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office targeting celebrities suspected of drug use or stimulant abuse. Nineteen individuals were taken into custody, including singer İrem derici, singer Hadise, and social media personality Dilan Polat, along with her husband Engin Polat.
All 19 individuals were released after providing statements and submitting to blood, hair, and urine samples. The investigation also includes the daughters of presenter and actor Defne Samyeli – Derin and Their Talu** – as well as actors Özge Özpirinçci, Demet Evgar, Metin Akdülger, and Berrak Tüzünataç.
