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MasterChef's Gülbahar Meşe shares story of domestic violence, receives support from judges
🇹🇷 Turkey /Culture & Society

MasterChef's Gülbahar Meşe shares story of domestic violence, receives support from judges

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • MasterChef contestant Gülbahar Meşe shared her past trauma of experiencing domestic violence in front of her 7-year-old son during her first marriage.
  • Meşe explained that loud arguments trigger her past fears, causing her to withdraw and struggle to speak, and she apologized to her son and ex-husband.
  • MasterChef judges Mehmet Yalçınkaya and Somer Sivrioğlu offered support, with Yalçınkaya praising her resilience and offering professional help, and Sivrioğlu acknowledging the positive influence of her second husband.

MasterChef Türkiye contestant Gülbahar Meşe's emotional revelations during her elimination have deeply moved viewers and judges alike. The 48-year-old shared the harrowing experience of enduring domestic violence during her first marriage, an ordeal witnessed by her then 7-year-old son.

When voices rise among my friends, my traumas are triggered. Where there are arguments, my voice retreats inside me, I forget how to speak. I apologize to my son and my husband.

— Gülbahar MeşeExplaining how past trauma affects her during tense situations on the show.

Meşe recounted the severe trauma she suffered, leading her to seek refuge in a women's shelter with her child. She explained how loud arguments in her current environment trigger past fears, causing her to become withdrawn and unable to speak. "When voices rise among my friends, my traumas are triggered. Where there are arguments, my voice retreats inside me, I forget how to speak. I apologize to my son and my husband," she shared, visibly emotional.

Judge Mehmet Yalçınkaya expressed admiration for Meşe's strength and resilience. "Your struggle is so great and beautiful... You are a wonderful example of how to overcome a difficult path. Professionally, and in every way, I am ready to support you," he stated, offering his personal assistance. He acknowledged that past experiences can hinder one's future.

Your struggle is so great and beautiful... You are a wonderful example of how to overcome a difficult path. Professionally, and in every way, I am ready to support you.

— Mehmet YalçınkayaOffering support and admiration to Gülbahar Meşe.

Fellow judge Somer Sivrioğlu also paid tribute to Meşe's journey, specifically mentioning the crucial role her second husband played in helping her rebuild her life. "As someone who has experienced what a man can elevate a woman to, I offer my respects to your husband. May God never separate you," Sivrioğlu said, bidding her farewell with words of encouragement.

As someone who has experienced what a man can elevate a woman to, I offer my respects to your husband. May God never separate you.

— Somer SivrioğluAcknowledging the positive influence of Gülbahar Meşe's second husband.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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