Istanbul Concert Canceled for Russian Comedian Over Israel Stance
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Russian comedian Maxim Galkin's concert in Istanbul, planned for October 25, was canceled due to his public support for Israel's actions in Gaza. The cancellation followed protests and social media campaigns by Turkish activists who cited Galkin's June 8 post praising Israeli forces and questioning Hezbollah's casualty reports. Activists appealed to Turkish ministries, leading organizers to cancel the event under public pressure. No statements have been made regarding ticket refunds or rescheduling.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maxim Galkin's Istanbul concert on October 25 was canceled due to his pro-Israel stance.
- Turkish activists protested Galkin's support for Israel's military operations in Gaza.
- Protesters cited Galkin's June 8 post praising Israeli forces and questioning Hezbollah's casualty figures.
- Activists appealed to Turkish ministries, leading to the cancellation.
- Organizers canceled the event under public pressure and official inquiries.
A concert by Russian comedian and showman Maxim Galkin, scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul, has been canceled. The event was to be held at the Istanbul Congress Center, where approximately half of the tickets had been sold by October 23, according to the newspaper Sabah. The cancellation was prompted by widespread protests and a social media campaign in Turkey. Local activists voiced strong disapproval of Galkin's public stance, particularly his support for Israel's military operations in Gaza. Specifically, attention was drawn to a June 8, 2024, post where Galkin praised Israeli forces during a hostage rescue operation in the Nusayrat area, hailed a fallen soldier as a hero, and questioned casualty figures provided by Hezbollah. Protesters demanded Galkin be barred from performing and even called for a lifetime entry ban into Turkey. Activists submitted official appeals to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Istanbul Governor's administration. Under public pressure and following official citizen inquiries, the event organizers decided to cancel the performance. Representatives for Galkin and the venue have not yet issued further statements regarding ticket refunds or rescheduling.
