Monopoly allegations shake Turkish entertainment industry

The Turkish Competition Authority’s investigation into casting agencies and talent management companies is causing a stir in the celebrity world.

Multiple actors from Turkish TV shows and movies have come forward to speak out against one particular management company, ID Communication, amid accusations of industry monopolization. Yet the debate has now extended to the entire industry.

The focus has centered around accusations of powerful figures blocking opportunities for actors based on personal or financial gain.

Controversial post sparks social media frenzy

On Jan. 7, 2025, a post shared on social media by user @Ezellottteeee (known as ‘Ezel’) reignited a long-running debate. The post, which included a screenshot of an article by journalist Fuat Ugur, has since gone viral.

In the post, Ugur highlighted several allegations about the dominance of certain talent management companies in Türkiye’s TV industry, hinting at monopolistic practices and favoritism.

Şokum şaştı.. Haberde yeni oyuncuların ve projelerin sektörde yer bulamamasının birçok nedenine değiniliyor(fuat uğur haberi) ama aşağıda geçen kısımdaki oyuncu eğer bildiğimiz isimse menajerinin gücünü bilmeyen yoktu da bu kadarını beklemiyodum pic.twitter.com/t2fekTRzZK

— Ezel (@Ezellottteeee) January 7, 2025

The controversy grew when actress Farah Zeynep Abdullah reshared the post with the caption, “Good luck,” which garnered millions of views and sparked widespread discussion.

Reactions from celebrities

The scandal deepened when one of Türkiye’s largest talent agencies, ID Communication, issued a statement denying the claims and threatening legal action. They accused Ugur of defamation, claiming the article implied they were involved in corrupt practices.

This triggered a wave of support for the agency from actors such as Hazal Kaya, Berguzar Korel and Sinem Kobal, who publicly backed the agency’s founder Ayse Barim and actress Serenay Sarikaya.

However, not all celebrities agreed with the solidarity. Actress Deniz Isin harshly criticized Barim, accusing her of hindering the careers of talented actresses. Other stars like Melisa Sozen and Zeynep Beserler also spoke out against the monopolistic control some companies have over the industry, particularly the limiting of opportunities for new talent.

Call for reform

Actors like Burcu Biricik and Rabia Soyturk called for a shift in focus from celebrity gossip to the real issues at hand: the unfair control of the industry by a few powerful players. Biricik emphasized the need to address how opportunities are monopolized, and Sozen highlighted the damaging impact of this monopoly on actors’ careers.

The ongoing discussion about monopolies in the entertainment industry has led to further investigations, with many urging for better working conditions and more equitable access to opportunities for all professionals.