Mahsun Kırmızıgül Criticizes Former Friend Haluk Levent Amidst Investigation
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Artist Mahsun Kırmızıgül criticized his former friend, singer Haluk Levent, who is under investigation.
- Kırmızıgül recalled Levent's past struggles with addiction and debt, which Kırmızıgül helped him overcome.
- He expressed disappointment that Levent seemingly relapsed into old habits despite receiving public support and opportunities.
Turkish artist and director Mahsun Kırmızıgül has issued a strong statement criticizing his long-time friend, singer Haluk Levent, who is currently under investigation. The criticism comes after 14 individuals, including Levent and lawyer Ece Güner, were arrested in connection with an investigation into the Ahbap Association.
Why couldn't you get rid of these bad habits? Why?
Kırmızıgül shared a lengthy post on social media, detailing his history with Levent. He recounted how, in the 1990s, Levent fell into severe debt due to "terrible habits." Kırmızıgül stated that he, along with producer Hilmi Topaloğlu and Özcan Deniz, personally took Levent to Karataş Prison in Adana due to these debts. Kırmızıgül claimed he used money earned from a TV series he directed to pay off Levent's debts to eight different banks, helping him to "get back on his feet."
Expressing disappointment, Kırmızıgül noted that he had believed Levent had overcome his past struggles, especially after seeing his work with the Ahbap Association. He highlighted the public support Levent received, including from government officials and awards, and his success in concerts and endorsements. "But oh, Haluk... Why couldn't you get rid of these bad habits? Why?" Kırmızıgül questioned, urging Levent not to return to those paths, especially for the sake of his daughter and the people affected by the earthquake.
But oh, Haluk...
Kırmızıgül lamented that despite millions of people trusting Levent and sending him their support, he could not emerge from the "darkness." He questioned why Levent strayed from honesty for his "bad habits" and asked if the thrill was worth betraying so much love, trust, and effort. The artist concluded by questioning the value of life and the betrayal of public trust.
Was life this cheap, Haluk? To turn your back on so much love, so much trust, so much effort for a few minutes of excitement?
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.