Singer Sıla’s Concerts Cancelled Upon Criticizing Democracy Rally

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Singer Sıla Gençoğlu has criticized the Democracy and Martyrs Rally and added “Aren’t we talking about democracy? So I have told my opinion”. Her concerts have been cancelled in Ankara, Kayseri, Bursa and İstanbul.

Gençoğlu, stating her opinion over being asked whether she would attend the Democracy and Martyrs Rally, said “I am definitely against coup but I do not prefer to be involved in such a show”.  

“Aren’t we talking about democracy?”

Gençoğlu has made a second statement yesterday (August 10) evening upon the reactions she has received.

“I don’t want to make any explanations on this issue. Those who wanted to twist [my words] have done so of course. But I stand behind my words. Aren’t we talking about democracy? So I here it is, I have told my opinion”.  

Gençoğlu was exposed to insults on her social media account following the above-mentioned statement.

And today (August 11) the organizers of her concerts in four provinces stated that her concerts have been cancelled.  

Municipality: She has not done her duty

According to the report of state-run Anadolu Agency, istanbul Metropolitan Municipality made a statement on the issue and noted that Gençoğlu’s concerts were cancelled on the grounds that “she has labelled the struggle of the people against the coup attempt by the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization [FETÖ] as a ‘show’.

Bursa Foundation for Culture, Arts and Tourism attached to Bursa Metropolitan Municipality have also made similar statement as to cancelling the concert and characterized singer Sıla Gençoğlu as “one of the artists, who has labelled the fight our people have been putting up on on the streets to look after our country as a show and thus has not shown the necessary awareness with regards to this honourable stance and will”.

No statement has been made by Sıla Gençoğlu and Sony Music Turkey regarding the cancellation of the concerts yet. (AS/DG)