Turkish Olympian Dikec denies L’Equipe’s claims of requesting $30,000 for interview
Yusuf Dikec, adorned with a victory garland and his silver medal, strikes his viral pose after returning to Türkiye, following his success in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in Istanbul Airport, Türkiye, on Aug. 1, 2024. (AA Photo)
Turkish shooting athlete and Olympic medalist Yusuf Dikec, who gained international fame for his performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has denied claims that he asked for 30,000 Euros from L’Equipe newspaper for an interview.
Dikec’s allegedly requesting money to conduct an interview with the French outlet quickly spread across Turkish social media channels, garnering much public attention.
The allegations, reported by the French media outlet, however, were quickly refuted by Dikec, who stated that neither he nor his team had ever requested money from any press organization.
Denial of payment request
Dikec, who won a silver medal with his teammate Sevval Ilayda Tarhan at the Paris Olympics, responded to the L’Equipe claims, stating, “I have never requested money from any media outlet. The issue arose from a conversation between that person and my lawyer. I don’t know the details of their discussions. I’ve done many TV programs in Türkiye, appeared on three in one day, and never asked for any payment.”
Dikec commented that he has also be on programs abroad without requesting or taking a payment.
He further clarified that he had never communicated directly with L’Equipe, and emphasized that the entire situation seemed to stem from a misunderstanding between his lawyer and the journalist involved.
On media relationships
Dikec also expressed frustration with how some media outlets operate, saying, “Sometimes they cross boundaries, treating you as if they can make you do anything for them. These aren’t pleasant things. My time is as valuable as anyone else’s.”
He added that the issue was “not worth much more conversation” and insisted that if he had made such a request, the media should provide evidence of any communication from him.
Rejecting Acting Offer for “The Day of the Jackal”
Dikec also commented about a recent offer to appear in the second season of the popular British series “The Day of the Jackal.”
Although he was approached to act in the show, he declined, citing the time commitment involved. “To act, I would have had to spend 15 days a month in Spain, which would have interfered with my training. I always say, everyone should stick to what they know best.”
He clarified that while he appeared in the show’s trailer for a day, he would not be part of the full series.
