Statement on 'legal action' from the lawyer of DBL Entertainment owner Abdülkadir Özkan: He has been the target of coordinated attacks

Abdülkadir Özkan, the owner of Dolmabahçe A.Ş., the Turkish organizer for world-renowned musicians, and its subsidiary DBL Entertainment, had announced that they were withdrawing from projects they were involved in following calls for a "boycott" and the subsequent cancellation of musician Ane Brun's concert and comedian Trevor Noah's show.

Özkan, who was boycotted due to his remarks regarding the İmamoğlu protests, had said, "I would like to express that the target of my criticism was not the peaceful protest where the youth exercised their constitutional rights, but rather the radical attitudes that attempt to create an environment of violence by provoking this right. As someone who has worked for years to contribute to our country with the universal language of art and culture, I am aware of the importance of finding common ground with all segments of society."

Ted Anastasiou, the lawyer for DBL Entertainment, issued a written statement. In the statement made via the company's "dbltr.com" address, it was alleged that his client Abdülkadir Özkan and DBL Entertainment had become the target of a continuous disinformation campaign and coordinated attacks.

The statement noted that despite the actual situation being clearly stated through public announcements, some individuals and organizations continue to spread false and misleading claims, directly damaging the commercial activities and reputation of his clients.

The statement recorded the following:

"On March 31, Mr. Özkan clearly stated that his remarks were directed at a small group of violent provocateurs and that peaceful protest is a fundamental constitutional right. On April 1, Mr. Özkan emphasized again that while protests are of vital importance, 'violence' carried out under the guise of protest can never be accepted. The fact that Mr. Özkan's reasonable stance could be distorted in such a way clearly reveals the era we live in; the marketing of lies as 'alternative facts' and their rapid spread on social media is a clear indicator of this. We would like to state clearly that our client's company, DBL Entertainment, has operated in a completely independent manner for years without receiving any political or state support, and has brought some of the world's most important artists to Turkey."

The statement also alleged that his client Özkan was targeted in a manner contrary to reason and law, and that the attacks carried out caused millions of dollars in material and measurable damages, ranging from concert cancellations to reputational harm, and that this situation harmed not only his clients but also numerous suppliers and professionals working with DBL.

The statement included the following expressions:

"Mr. Özkan has initiated formal legal proceedings against the individuals and organizations responsible for acts of defamation, incitement of the public, unfair competition, and economic interference. We are actively pursuing all our legal rights arising from Turkish and international law. Additional legal actions will soon begin against everyone involved in unlawful activities, including breach of contract, malicious misrepresentation, and coordinated defamation.

Our clients have spent years working to build a business that brings cultural events to Turkey and supports a vast ecosystem consisting of creative and technical professionals.

These efforts will not be allowed to fall victim to malicious campaigns or opportunistic disinformation. DBL Entertainment and Mr. Özkan will continue to protect their work and reputation, and will hold all responsible parties accountable through all available legal channels, without exception."

News Source: 12punto