Art world harassment revelations are growing: From photographers to actors

Women and LGBTQ+ individuals have recently been exposing male photographers on social media. It's been alleged that the photographers are using their power within the industry to harass individuals, share nude photos without their consent, and engage in sexual assault. As the revelations spread to musicians, filmmakers, and editors, the solidarity network "Susma Bitsin" (Don't Be Suspended) issued a statement. The Manifest group canceled their shoot with Mesut Adlin.

For nearly a week, women and LGBTQ+ individuals have been exposing male photographers on social media. Their statements allege that some photographers have exploited their power within the industry to harass individuals, share nude photos without their consent, and engage in sexual assault.

The disclosures aren't limited to photographers. The process has spread throughout the arts and culture community, with musicians, filmmakers, and editors also beginning to share in the statements made by women and LGBTQ+ individuals. Some institutions and musicians have announced that they have severed ties with men who have made dozens of statements against them.

Since many of the names exposed were photographers of celebrities, many artists supported those who shared their statements.

Don't Susma Bitsin, a solidarity network formed by women working in film, television, and theater, released a written statement on August 22. The statement emphasized the importance of disclosures and included the following words:

"We have been following the recent revelations, which began with the revelations of a few photographers and have grown with the courage of survivors. We embrace all women and LGBTQ+ individuals who have found the courage to confront their perpetrators with solidarity."

In his statement, Susma Bitsin also touched upon the exploitation methods of photographers:

“We know these men, we know this system, who create a space for exploitation by manipulating the model/actor in the unclear creative field that comes with the profession of photography.”

The solidarity network issued a warning message to men who use their material and spiritual resources to act through their social networks:

We know the names of those of you who think you've never been exposed. We remind you of the names of those who think time has passed and they've been forgotten. Feminist solidarity will not let you down so that those of you who are emboldened by the lack of sanctions will pay the price.

The statement continued: "Be afraid of when you will be exposed. You will not get away with anything you do. Women have not been silent, and they will not be silent."

Actress Aslıhan Gürbüz shared the harassment incident experienced by her colleague Gizem Güçlü on her social media account with the note, "Another revelation comes from my friend."

Gizem Güçlü made the following statement on her social media account:

“I filed a complaint two years ago against actor and manager Ertunç Uygun, who, based on evidence, has been stealing my photos and personal data for 10 years and having virtual relationships with many people through fake profiles he created on various social media platforms.”

Güçlü also shared the court decision in his statement:

“In my last hearing on November 12, 2021, it was decided that the defendant Ertunç Uygun should be sentenced to 2 years and 1 month in prison for committing the crime of unlawfully obtaining and disseminating personal data under TCK Article 136/1.”

Aslıhan Gürbüz later criticized those who remained indifferent to the allegations. In a social media post, she offered direct support to women, saying, "If I'm friends with someone who abuses you, write to me so this situation can change."

Gürbüz called on everyone not to remain silent, saying, "Of course, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but this is a sensitive topic, my friend. After years of intimidation, it's time for solidarity."

Photographer Mesut Adlin's alleged text messages with a minor have been revealed on social media. The leaked messages allege Adlin persistently attempted to communicate with the minor.

In the messages, Adlin allegedly said, "When are you free? Let's do something," "Do you want to do something?" and "Maybe we can do something when you get out." It was alleged that he sent messages like, "Let me come and get you out," to the person who said he was depressed.

After the messages were revealed on social media, the Manifest group announced that they had canceled their planned shoot with Mesut Adlin. Adlin's friend Tolga Akış then shared the message, "We are in communication with the entire industry, but we will not defend anyone's mistakes."

Mesut Adlin made a statement on social media: "There's no way I'm communicating with someone who's not of an appropriate age. In the aforementioned conversation, when I learn the person's age, I cut off communication and unfollow them. This part was intentionally cut."

Actress Doğa Lara Akkaya shared on social media that she was harassed by her colleague Tayanç Ayaydın on the set of the TV series Tozluyaka, in which she starred in 2022.

Akkaya said, "This man is married and a famous actor. They told me to be quiet. I was 21 years old, it was my first job, and I couldn't say anything. He constantly harassed me verbally and in writing."

Akkaya revealed that Ayaydın had sent her a message saying, "The most beautiful woman in the world! Happy birthday." In the messages, Akkaya can be seen replying, "Don't you think your wife is the most beautiful woman in the world?"

Photographer Servet Derin Serbest states that this situation is not new, but that young and “less famous” women are particularly exposed to harassment.

She describes how freelance women are harassed: “Women are told, ‘I’ll give you a loan, introduce you to better agencies.’ There are times when they agree to take nude photos, even though they don’t want to, due to unemployment and desperation.”

Serbest, noting that this situation is more common among freelance photographers, said, "Some male photographers become photographers just for the sake of it. People who can't even hold a camera are suddenly finding work through networking as photographers." He highlighted the structural problems in the sector.

Among the photographers and artists he allegedly harassed are Ogün Akgül, Osman Eren, Bülent Babaoğlu, Müjdat Kavas, and Harun Ateş, as well as Mesut Adlin.

Following the reaction to the actor Ozan Güven, who was sentenced to 2 years and 3 months in prison for violence against Deniz Bulutsuz, and the model Çağla Şıkel, who announced that they would take part in "7 Husbands with Hürmüz", Güven left the project.

In the statement made by Tiyatrotr, it was said:

Our artist, Ozan Güven, who is part of the cast of "7 Husbands with Hürmüz" (Hürmüz with 7 Husbands), has requested his release from the project to prevent the recent controversy from harming the project and team spirit. We thank Ozan Güven for his efforts and contributions to date. We will continue to bring "7 Husbands with Hürmüz" to our valued audience.