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Kübra Par speaks out in first broadcast after hand gesture: 'I had a lapse in judgment'

Regarding the live broadcast incident, Kübra Par said, "Yesterday, I had a momentary lapse in judgment. Thinking we were off-air when the theme music started, I engaged in behavior that was completely unbecoming of me. I apologize."

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Kübra Par, whose hand gesture was caught on camera after she finished the main news bulletin, had been subjected to harsh criticism, most notably from RTÜK President Şahin. Par, who issued an apology immediately after the incident, made a statement during the first news bulletin she hosted following the gesture.

Here is the statement made by Kübra Par:

Today is a difficult day for me…

I would like to start our broadcast not as a journalist, but as a sibling, as one of your family, with an apology.

I made a huge mistake while closing our broadcast yesterday.

I am very embarrassed…

I stand before you with this embarrassment…

Television requires attention and care.

In live broadcasts, we must act with the responsibility of being in front of you at every moment we are in this studio.

IT WAS COMPLETELY UNBECOMING OF ME

In this profession to which I have dedicated my years, I have always tried to act with this awareness.

However, yesterday, I had a momentary lapse in judgment. Thinking we were off-air when the theme music started, I engaged in behavior that was completely unbecoming of me.

It was completely unbecoming of me…

So why did I do such a thing?

For a few days, we had been finishing the Main News a minute or two late, encroaching on the broadcast slot of the Alfa Petek competition program. During the break, I had joked and made a bet with our director about this. As the news ended, the theme music started, and he made a joke in my ear. Thinking we were off-air on time, I made a joke back at him. Those moments were caught on camera.

I am questioning myself as to how I made this mistake.

There were those who reacted, and I understand them.

The fact that different meanings were attributed to an already embarrassing situation only increased my sadness…

As I said, what I did had nothing to do with the content of the broadcast or yesterday's agenda.

I am sorry that it was interpreted this way.

I AM SORRY, I APOLOGIZE

The fundamental rules of journalism are clear. The principles regarding how to report on recorded and off-the-record conversations are also clear.

Barış Pehlivan calling the expert witness as if trying to trap them without stating that the conversation was being recorded was contrary to the fundamental principles of journalism.

We discussed this with our team members yesterday. While reporting the detention news during the broadcast, I specifically stated that the conversation was off-the-record. I read the official statements made.

It was precisely for this reason that I emphasized while closing the broadcast that we must adhere to the fundamental principles of journalism.

Those who have watched me for all these years know that I would not commit such an act of disrespect intentionally or in relation to the broadcast.

I am sorry for occupying the public agenda with a matter concerning myself…

I apologize to you and to all my team members who contributed to this broadcast.