New statement from the news anchor fired over a 'Starbucks cup'! 'It was a momentary mistake'

Meltem Günay, whose employment was terminated for appearing on TGRT Haber with a Starbucks cup, had previously explained what she went through in a statement on her social media accounts titled 'Hear it from me too, I apologize' after being dismissed by her institution.

News anchor Meltem Günay explained her experience from a different perspective by connecting live to the program "Neler Oluyor Hayatta" (What's Happening in Life), hosted by Hakan Ural and Nur Tuğba Algül.

Meltem Günay was unable to hold back her tears at times.

Here are the statements of news anchor Meltem Günay:

'I am very sorry; a person would not and cannot make such a mistake on purpose. I have produced programs for this country's television organizations for 27 years. From lifestyle programs to political programs and arts and culture programs. I started as a reporter and worked in every phase of broadcasting. I am proud of this. 27 years means a lifetime and hard work. In the years I have worked, I have never said or done anything to hurt a single person. I have been sensitive to everyone.

Is this a mistake? Yes, but one should look at the context when criticizing. Who is Meltem Günay, what awards has this girl received, what work has she done that has been rewarded? By not getting involved in any controversy, I have not given credit to popularity...

I haven't slept for 3 days. I had crying fits, even though I am trying to stand strong. I didn't want to appear on air in this state and give our viewers a bad image.'

'THERE WERE NO FRIENDS THERE WHO COULD BRING ME TEA'

'The cup of the brand in question is not even sold like that anymore. It was a very old cup, a cup that was sitting in my room. You know how we order food; you keep things just in case you need them, and it was a cup that was just sitting in my room like that. It is a cup I don't even remember when it was bought. With the rush of the broadcast that day, I couldn't find the mug with my institution's name on it because I was rushing.

That day, there were no friends there who could bring me tea or water. Since I didn't have much time, I got my tea myself. I took the cup and put tea in it. In fact, the kids said, "Sister, is that a Starbucks cup?" That's when we realized it during the commercial break. While we were talking like that, when the commercial break ended, we suddenly went on air and the cup remained in my hand. I put it down, but it was very hot, so I kept it in my hand so it wouldn't spill on me, and it stayed on the table. I didn't explain these in detail in my statement either. Because I know that people will say things about these too and lynch me again. I mean, it can't be a brand thing, but I am truly very sorry that this situation occurred with such a brand.'

'WE ARE HUMAN, NOT MACHINES'

Günay said, 'It was a momentary mistake. I don't look for bad intentions in anyone. My colleagues didn't notice either. My director is also a very good person; in fact, his father was undergoing cancer treatment. He was dealing with another trouble. I apologize very much; we are human, we are not machines.'

Günay continued: 'This shouldn't be like this; a person's 27 years of labor should not be lynched. I never hit anyone's livelihood. Even my social media account was closed. I was just a person who spoke through my work. I truly never did anything to any institution I earned my bread from, including my own institution, because I saw those people as my family. Everyone was by my side. I never say anything against them. They are also very sorry for what happened.

But for God's sake, what did I do? I forgot a cup that I didn't pay for at that moment and that didn't contain coffee. But did I kill someone, did I use a banned substance, did I embezzle money? What did I do for God's sake? It can happen to anyone; we are human. I cannot express myself because my heart hurts so much. I reported on children dying all over the world, I made broadcasts. This can happen to anyone.

There may be criticism because of this, but they even cursed at my late mother and father. It hurt me so much... Is this done to a woman who struggles for life on her own? I mean, may God not let anyone experience what I am living. I will stand tall again. God knows my heart.'

News Source: 12punto