Greek Actor Apostolos Gletsos Explains Controversial 'Fish Cooked Both Sides' Remark as Support for Minors

Apostolos Gletsos, a well-known Greek actor, has revisited one of the most talked-about statements of his career, revealing the true reason behind the phrase "the fish is cooked on both sides." He explained that the remark was a deliberate strategic move, not an impulsive moment, intended to support minors facing difficult situations within their families.

In an interview with Anestis Evaggelopoulos for "AnesTea The Podcast," Gletsos clarified that his statement was consciously made to offer solidarity to young people experiencing violence, bullying, or rejection due to their sexual identity or suspicions surrounding it. He emphasized that this decision followed discussions with his family, including his daughter and the mother of his child. "It was a strategic move. We wanted... because some people discussed it, my family, my daughter, me, her mother. We wanted to support some people and we wanted to step on patriarchy again. Whoever understood, understood. I can't analyze it further. To support some people, underage people who are under a problem, a specific, very specific problem. But if I had just said I went out with a man, you wouldn't solve their problem. I had to say this, that the fish is cooked on both sides. Leave it there. I won't continue, leave it there, leave it there."

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It was a strategic move. We wanted... because some people discussed it, my family, my daughter, me, her mother. We wanted to support some people and we wanted to step on patriarchy again. Whoever understood, understood. I can't analyze it further. To support some people, underage people who are under a problem, a specific, very specific problem. But if I had just said I went out with a man, you wouldn't solve their problem. I had to say this, that the fish is cooked on both sides. Leave it there. I won't continue, leave it there, leave it there.

Gletsos, however, avoided specifying whether the phrase had personal implications or was purely symbolic. He insisted that the message he intended to convey was paramount, rather than interpretations of his personal life. He also recounted his experiences as the mayor of Stylida, detailing incidents that deeply affected him. Through citizens' testimonies, he realized that violence and abuse often hide behind the doors of seemingly quiet homes. "I definitely helped, because when I was mayor, my door was open to everyone. Some women, mothers, aunts came and confided in me about what was happening inside some houses, most of which were beyond suspicion. And I was horrified. You can't imagine the violence we're talking about. What do you report? If they don't report it themselves, how can I report it? So that he goes and kills him? In 2012, for me to report as a third party and for them to go home and say there's bullying... Lives were at risk, you don't understand what we're talking about and what happens in the provinces."

The distinctive phrase, first uttered years ago, became one of the most iconic lines in Greek television. It has been discussed numerous times, with Gletsos repeatedly explaining it was not meant to provoke but to empower those who felt alone. With this new interview, Apostolos Gletsos has brought the subject back into the spotlight.

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I definitely helped, because when I was mayor, my door was open to everyone. Some women, mothers, aunts came and confided in me about what was happening inside some houses, most of which were beyond suspicion. And I was horrified. You can't imagine the violence we're talking about. What do you report? If they don't report it themselves, how can I report it? So that he goes and kills him? In 2012, for me to report as a third party and for them to go home and say there's bullying... Lives were at risk, you don't understand what we're talking about and what happens in the provinces.