Turkish Singer Who Called Kim Kardashian a 'Disgusting Armenian' Acquitted

The Istanbul General Courts acquitted Turkish singer Murat Ovyuch on March 23 after he gained notoriety on social media for his derogatory remarks about Kim Kardashian.

Ovyuch referred to Kardashian as a 'disgusting Armenian' in an Instagram story commenting on her posts about the Armenian Genocide on its 105th anniversary in 2020. Kardashian had stated on her Twitter account, "Today marks the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and I am proud that the United States has recognized it," while also sharing several images related to the genocide on her Instagram stories.

Simon Chekhem, the president of the Beyoğlu Municipal Council and a lawyer of Armenian descent from Istanbul, filed a complaint against Ovyuch with the Istanbul Prosecutor's Office, claiming that his statements were offensive to Armenians. Based on Chekhem’s complaint, an investigation was initiated.

During his confession, Ovyuch did not admit guilt, arguing that his words were a response to Kardashian. He insisted that his remarks were directed at an American citizen named Kim Kardashian and 'the Armenian enemies of the Ottomans.'

He was charged with inciting discrimination in society, creating hostility among the public, and issuing insults and threats.

At the court session on March 23, Simon Chekhem was also present and noted that Ovyuch did not say that a specific person was disgusting, but rather that 'Armenians are disgusting.' Chekhem called for the court to hold the defendant accountable.

However, the court found no deliberate crime in relation to the case against Ovyuch and ruled to acquit him. Ovyuch had posted on social media, 'You Armenians are disgusting. Who are you to call my great Ottoman figures barbarians?'