Turkish TV presenter fired over low-cut dress after criticism from AKP spokesman

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet

A television presenter has been dismissed over a low-cut top she wore on a television program, following criticism from ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) spokesperson Hüseyin Çelik.

Çelik criticized the presenter’s costume during a TV program, without giving a name, saying he found the dress “extreme” because of its open cleavage.

“We don’t intervene against anyone, but this is too much. It is unacceptable,” he said.

Following Çelik’s remarks, it was revealed that the host in question was Gözde Kansu, who was taking part on the show “Veliaht” on the ATV station, and rumors spread that she had been fired.

The show’s producer, Caner Erdem, previously said nothing had been resolved, adding that Kansu might not take part in the program next week "due to her busy schedule." 

However, after discussions between the channel and the producer, Kansu’s dismissal was confirmed on Oct. 8.

The company that produces the show released a statement on Oct. 9, denying that Kansu was fired due to her low-cut dress.

The company said it no longer wanted to work with Kansu after the first episode because her way of presentation and style was not in line with the show’s aims, the statement said.

Çelik said that the discussions following his remarks were “ill-intended.”

“I never named a show or a person,” he wrote on his Twitter account. “It was the media who alleged the names. This is a general sensitivity.”

Çelik also said it was his fundamental right to express his opinion on issues as an individual, viewer and politician.