# Turkish influencer relationship scandal and legal fallout

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-influencer-relationship-scandal
> Updated: 2026-08-05T07:59:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-05: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fatma-soyda-arrest-prompts-boyfriend-efe-beycans-new-wife-remarks

### 2026-07-23: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fatma-soyda-jailed-after-staged-zebani-efe-influencer-scam

### 2026-07-14: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fatma-soyda-and-efe-beycans-relationship-status-discussed-online

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Cite as: Turkish influencer relationship scandal and legal fallout. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-influencer-relationship-scandal