President Erdogan has reportedly pulled the Turkish version of the TV show ‘The Masked Singer’ because of its alleged satanic and pagan imagery.
The reality show features contestants in costume from head to toe who perform to the unknowing audience before being unmasked when eliminated during the different rounds.
The show originated on Fox TV and has been adapted in 67 countries including the UK, US, Japan, Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Broadcast on Fox TV in Turkey, the show caught the attention of the country’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) for its alleged satanic and pagan imagery.
Signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on 29th January, a circular was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey stating that the show “has elements contrary to the basic values of our society”.
The circular added that necessary steps will be taken to eliminate the show’s “destructive effects”.
According to local media, the channel would have faced heavy fines from the RTUK if it did not cancel the show.
As a result, Fox TV executives and the show’s producers agreed to pull the programme.
‘The Masked Singer’, which was reportedly targeted by supporters of the ruling party, will be shown for the final time on 12th February with its ninth and final episode and will not return for a new series, according to local media.
It was claimed that the popular show could continue on a digital platform where RTUK could not directly impose sanctions.
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Story By: Feza Uzay, Sub-Editor: William McGee, Agency: Newsflash
