Turkish pop star Mabel Matiz is facing a new 'obscenity' investigation from Istanbul prosecutors over the music video for his latest song, “Ha Leylim.” The move comes after a targeted campaign against the artist in pro-government media and on social media platforms.
Matiz, who is openly queer and one of Turkey's most popular musicians, released the video on August 11. While it contains no explicit queer imagery, its narrative has been interpreted as a story of repressed love. The video depicts a man preparing for his wedding to a woman while exchanging contemplative, longing glances with another man at the ceremony. This subtle storytelling was enough to trigger a backlash and, subsequently, a formal legal inquiry.
This is the second time in recent years that Matiz has been targeted with such charges. He was previously investigated for obscenity over his song “Perperişan” but was ultimately acquitted by the court. In that case, Turkey's Family and Social Services Ministry had also sought to have the song banned, arguing it was contrary to “public order and public health.”
A Pattern of Legal Pressure
The recurring investigations against Matiz highlight the use of Article 226 of the Turkish Penal Code, which prohibits the publication of 'obscene' content. The law is vaguely defined, allowing authorities to apply it broadly against artists, journalists, and social media personalities whose work challenges conservative norms.
The case underscores the increasingly difficult climate for LGBTQ+ expression in Turkey, where state-led pressure and media campaigns often lead to censorship and legal harassment. Despite the challenges, Matiz remains a major figure in the Turkish music scene, with billions of streams and a large international following.
You can watch the video for “Ha Leylim” below:
