Serenay Sarikaya to testify as court rejects Ayse Barim’s media block request
Serenay Sarikaya arrives at the Istanbul courthouse to give testimony in a high-profile investigation into monopolization claims in Türkiye’s entertainment industry, Türkiye, January 15, 2025. (Photo via X)
Ayse Barim, the founder of ID Communication, faced a significant legal setback in her attempt to restrict media coverage of an ongoing investigation into monopolistic practices in Türkiye’s entertainment industry.
Istanbul’s Magistrates’ Court rejected her request to block access to articles detailing the allegations against her and her agency. This decision ensures that the public remains informed about the ongoing inquiry.
Barim is at the center of an investigation launched by the Turkish Competition Authority and the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office. The allegations against her agency include tax evasion, bribery and unethical business practices.
As part of the investigation, Barim has been barred from leaving the country due to concerns that she may attempt to flee. Authorities are currently conducting financial audits and reviewing contracts from her agency, ID Communication, alongside 20 other management firms.
Serenay Sarikaya’s scheduled testimony draws attention
Prominent actress Serenay Sarikaya, represented by ID Communication, has been summoned to testify as a witness in an ongoing investigation
Sarikaya is expected to provide her testimony on Jan. 15, 2025. Her connection to Ayse Barim has drawn significant attention, given her high-profile status in Türkiye’s entertainment industry.
Sarikaya’s lawyer, however, stated that they had not yet received an official notification of the summons. This legal development is part of broader efforts to uncover the extent of alleged monopolistic practices in the industry.
Turkish director, actors weigh in on industry practices after Ayse Barim investigation
The investigation has also sparked discussions among industry professionals.
Director Serdar Akar criticized current trends:
Good actors are hard to find. Today, casting decisions are often influenced by Instagram follower counts, not by talent or performance history.
His comments reflect frustrations over the industry’s focus on social media popularity rather than artistic merit.
Actor Yalcin Dumer linked monopolistic practices to the struggles faced by the late Tolga Savaci, who he claimed was excluded from projects for years.
“Only actors from specific networks are given opportunities. For years, no one called Tolga for roles,” Dumer remarked.
Calls for reform in Türkiye’s entertainment industry
The allegations against Barim have amplified demands for systemic reform within the entertainment sector. Critics argue that monopolistic practices have limited opportunities for independent talent and stifled creativity. Reports of agencies manipulating casting decisions and fabricating publicity stunts for financial gain have further fueled public frustration.
The investigation’s findings are expected to provide insights into the extent of these practices. Advocacy groups and unions have called for stricter oversight of talent agencies, transparency in casting decisions, and protections for actors against exploitative practices. Social media discussions have also played a role in keeping these issues at the forefront of public discourse.
The investigation is examining serious allegations of tax evasion, bribery, and coercion. Financial audits of the implicated agencies, including ID Communication, are underway to uncover any violations. Authorities aim to hold accountable those responsible for unethical practices while working to ensure a fairer and more competitive market.
