Turkish police detain agent to stars for Gezi involvement amid monopolization controversy

Turkish authorities detained celebrity agent, Ayşe Barım, on charges of "attempting to overthrow the government" over alleged involvement in the 2013 Gezi Park protests. The move unexpectedly followed a recent controversy around Barım that accused her of monopolizing the industry.

Friday January 24 2025 06:34 pm

Duvar English

Turkish authorities on Jan. 24 detained celebrity agent Ayşe Barım regarding an investigation into her participation in the 2013 Gezi Park protests.

Barım was detained early in the morning on charges of "attempting to overthrow or obstruct the Turkish Republic," according to the pro-government Demirören News Agency (DHA).

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated that Barım held meetings with artists represented by her company, ID Communication Consultancy Inc., encouraging them to join the protests between May 29, 2013, and June 2, 2013.

The investigation also "revealed" that Barım personally participated in the events alongside the artists she represented.

The prosecutor's office identified Barım as one of the "organizers" of the protests.

Police conducted searches at Barım's home and workplace.

Barım, the founder and partner of ID Consultancy Ltd. and the manager of numerous prominent actors, had previously been accused on social media of monopolizing the industry and sidelining actors who opposed her.

As part of the investigation, a travel ban was imposed on Barım. Actors represented by Barım reportedly testified as witnesses in the case.