A controversial incident unfolded when Turkish organizers attempted to involve Despina Vandi in political matters during a musical event without prior notice or agreement. They decorated the stage with Turkish flags and posters of Kemal Atatürk.
Despina Vandi, currently on tour celebrating her 30-year music career, was scheduled to perform in Çeşme, Turkey. However, the Turkish organizers' actions forced the concert's cancellation.
Vandi refused to perform unless the Turkish flag and Atatürk poster were removed from the stage. The Greek singer later explained her decision on social media, accusing the organizers of transforming the event from a concert into an "unacceptable and unagreed upon political display."
Despina Vandi's Response:
"With absolute respect for the audience who would have honoured me with their presence at my concert scheduled for today, I announce that due to the actions of the Turkish Education Foundation, who decided to alter the nature of the event by giving it an unacceptable and unagreed upon political approach, I cannot participate," wrote Vandi on social media.
Çeşme Mayor: "This lady must leave the city immediately"
Following the cancellation, the mayor of Çeşme addressed the audience, stating, "This lady must leave our city immediately. No one can attempt to remove our flag or the poster of Atatürk. It is unthinkable. This lady must leave. I hope that she will never again consider removing the flag of a country gained through bloodshed, wherever she travels, flags under which countless sons lie buried."
Turkish Media Coverage
The Greek singer's swift and decisive response, refusing to fall into the Turkish trap, became front-page news in Turkey.
Cumhuriyet featured the story prominently on its website with the headline: "Greek singer offended by the Turkish flag refuses to perform - Statement by the Mayor of Çeşme."
Hürriyet also gave the story top billing, with the headline: "Shameless demand from Greek singer! She demanded the removal of Atatürk's poster and the Turkish flag. Çeşme Mayor: No one dares to take them down."
