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3 clusters · 7 sources · 22 days · First seen · Last updated

Turkish influencer relationship scandal and legal fallout

Overview

Turkish social‑media creators Fatma Soydaş and Efe Beycan, together known as “Zebani Efe,” attracted massive viewership with joint videos, prompting widespread speculation about a romantic link. On 15 July 2026 they posted a shared video confirming they were dating.

Prosecutors later determined the partnership was a staged public‑relations stunt designed to boost visibility and revenue from Soydaş’s Instagram VIP subscription service, which charged 59.99 TL per month, enrolled over 18,000 members and generated more than 1 million TL. The investigation highlighted the use of manipulated religious imagery to attract paying followers.

In July 2026 a court sentenced Soydaş to prison for exploiting her audience and misusing religious symbols; Beycan also faced scrutiny for his involvement. Following the sentencing, Soydaş was taken into custody on charges of publicly insulting religious values. Beycan, who had previously announced a conversion to Islam and an Umrah pilgrimage, addressed the situation on his account, acknowledging strain in their relationship and making a controversial “new wife” comment that sparked further online debate.

The case underscores Turkey’s increasing regulatory focus on influencer marketing and the legal risks of deceptive online practices.

Entities

Efe Beycan · Fatma Soydaş

Timeline

  1. 8 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Fatma Soydaş arrest prompts boyfriend Efe Beycan's 'new wife' remarks

    Influencer Fatma Soydaş was arrested for alleged religious insult; boyfriend Efe Beycan responded with emotional remarks and the viral line “one wife goes, another comes.”

  2. 21 days ago

    [CRIME] 3 sources
    Fatma Soydaş jailed after staged 'Zebani Efe' influencer scam

    Turkish influencer Fatma Soydaş was jailed after a court found her staged partnership with TikTok star Efe Beycan, “Zebani Efe,” a PR stunt used to fuel a lucrative subscription service.

  3. 30 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Fatma Soydaş and Efe Beycan’s Relationship Status Discussed Online

    Turkish influencers Fatma Soydaş and Efe Beycan, known as “Zebani Efe,” moved from dating rumors to publicly confirming a relationship in a joint social‑media video.

Sources

gazetedamga.com.tr · gazeteport.com.tr · internethaber.com · kks.ch · master.com.cy · onedio.com · ortadogugazetesi.com