Astrologist detained following Galatasaray's super league win, subsequent rant

Duvar English

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into astrologist and internet personality Meral Güven for “inciting the public to hatred and hostility” due to her rant on social media following Galatasaray’s 3-1 win over Konyaspor on May 26, smashing Fenerbahçe chances to win the championship for the first time since 2014.

Güven had previously predicted that the club from Istanbul’s Asian side, trailing behind with three points, would triumph.

Although Fenerbahçe thrashed Istanbulspor 6-0 and ended the season with 99 points, Galatasaray secured their 24th title after the Konyaspor win, with a whopping 102 points.

After the yellow-blue team’s deception, Güven first claimed on an Instagram story that she intentionally gave a "wrong" prediction because the Fenerbahçe fans "were swearing at my dead child and threatening me last year."

Then, she started swearing and cursing during a live stream on TikTok, leading to her account swiftly being restricted.

The following day, the astrologist with over 770,000 followers on Instagram was detained by authorities at her home.

According to state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) Güven faces multiple charges, including “threats and insults” and “disturbing the peace and tranquility of people,” and “purchasing, accepting, or possessing drugs and stimulants for use.

Güven stated prior to her detention that she had been slandered and that fake social media accounts had damaged her reputation. She also accused Fenerbahçe fans of provocation.

“Last night’s live broadcast, in which I used offensive language, happened because you, Fenerbahçe fans, provoked me,” she said.

Galatasaray also responded to Güven’s failed prediction, stating, “Don’t believe in fortune telling. Don’t stay without a trophy,” on X, formerly known as Twitter.

(English version by Wouter Massink)