Backlash against Musa Özuğurlu's comments on Ferdi Tayfur! Tele1 to make adjustments

Tele 1 presenter and journalist Musa Özuğurlu made the statement "Musically, it was terrible, that's all" during a live broadcast following the death of artist Ferdi Tayfur. Stating that the criticism directed at him on social media had reached the level of a 'lynching,' Özuğurlu apologized for his words and said, "What I did was a critique of his music, not the person himself. The masses were offended."

The channel announced that it would be making changes regarding Özuğurlu's program.

"IT WAS ARTISTICALLY TERRIBLE"

Journalist Musa Özuğurlu said the following about the master artist Tayfur: "Ferdi Tayfur has died, everyone is praising him so much. We are not interested in what kind of person he was in terms of personality, but when we look at it from an artistic perspective, it was terrible. This truth must also be stated. We are talking about someone who made tearful arabesque music. Musically, it was terrible, that's all."

Özuğurlu's words spread quickly on social media and drew reactions.

HE APOLOGIZED

Emphasizing that his statements were distorted, Özuğurlu clarified his words on his social media account, saying, "A comment I made this morning was again distorted by certain circles, and a lynching campaign was launched against me and TELE1. What I did was a critique of his MUSIC, NOT THE PERSON HIMSELF. The masses were offended. I apologize."

TELE1 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: CHANGES WILL BE MADE TO THE PROGRAM

Tele1 Editor-in-Chief Merdan Yanardağ also made a statement on social media following the criticism.

To our valued TELE1 viewers and the public;

Musa Özuğurlu, who hosts the "Sabah Pusulası" (Morning Compass) program that airs on our channel on weekdays, made remarks that exceeded their intent while reporting on the death of artist Ferdi Tayfur (this morning). First and foremost, we would like to state that we do not agree with these words, and on behalf of the institution, we apologize to the late artist's relatives and loved ones.

Although our colleague's intention was not to insult, the perception is in that direction. We are very saddened by this. We wish mercy upon the esteemed artist and, as I stated on the 18 Dakika program last night, we pay our respects to his memory.

We would like to state that we will be making a new arrangement regarding the aforementioned program.