Ozan Guven Sentenced to Prison: A Deep Dive into the Scandal

Ozan Guven, the Turkish actor celebrated for his role in the iconic TV series The Magnificent Century, has been handed a prison sentence of 2 years and 3 months after being found guilty of physically assaulting his mistress, Deniz Bulutsuz. This alarming incident adds to the ongoing saga of legal troubles surrounding the show's cast, notably including Halit Ergenc, who famously portrayed the legendary Sultan Suleiman.

The Background of the Case

The drama unfolded publicly when Bulutsuz accused Guven of severe violence following the end of their six-month relationship. The allegations surfaced with disturbing details, as Bulutsuz shared graphic photographs depicting her injuries, which included a severe black eye and noticeable bruises on her arms. Reports indicate that Guven's method of assault was particularly shocking — using a lampshade during the incident.

At 50 years old, Guven boasts an extensive career with around 20 roles across Turkish cinema. He was born in Germany to Turkish parents and later moved to Istanbul to pursue his acting education, earning a spot as a well-known figure in the entertainment industry.

Interestingly, before this scandal, Guven kept a relatively low profile regarding his personal life. He divorced his screenwriter wife, Derya Türkan, 15 years ago, with whom he shares a son, maintaining a level of privacy about his romantic relationships.

Relationship with Deniz Bulutsuz

Deniz Bulutsuz, now 33, is a respected figure in Turkey, particularly within the fashion sector. A graduate of Galatasaray University, where she studied French language and literature, she has collaborated with leading magazines like Vogue and GQ. In addition to her media endeavors, Bulutsuz has founded her own PR agency, Ondakka, marking her presence as a formidable player in the Turkish scene.

The couple's romance, which ignited in late 2019, soured dramatically by June 2020 when Bulutsuz accused Guven of assault. The conflict reportedly escalated from a benign conversation about her ex-boyfriend during a visit to Guven's home, a distressing chain of events that culminated in violence.

The Incident and Court Proceedings

According to legal documentation, after an argument about her former partner, Guven returned home in a fury. Eyewitness accounts suggest he struck Bulutsuz before using a lampshade as a weapon, making threats and attempting to confine her within the apartment. In a remarkable moment of desperation, she managed to escape the situation barefoot, seeking safety outside.

In his defense, Guven countered that Bulutsuz experiences anxiety and frequently has hysterical reactions. He claimed that the lampshade merely fell during their altercation and that he never intended harm. He implied that Bulutsuz had instigated the confrontation.

Both individuals filed lawsuits against one another, with Guven initially facing the possibility of a 13-year prison sentence. However, in a surprising outcome, the court ruled in favor of Bulutsuz, ultimately handing Guven a more lenient sentence that ignited a public dialogue about the justice system’s response to domestic violence.

Bulutsuz's Response

Following the court's ruling, Bulutsuz expressed her relief and joy, saying, "In a time when we are told that it is pointless to fight for our rights, this victory feels extraordinary." She highlighted the necessity of holding offenders accountable, particularly in a society where faith in justice may often seem lost.

Guven’s legal team has already filed an appeal against the conviction, and if upheld by the appellate court, he'll serve his sentence.

Halit Ergenc: Another Case of Legal Trouble

The setbacks for The Magnificent Century cast extend beyond Guven. Halit Ergenc, who brought Sultan Suleiman to life, was previously sentenced to 1 year and 10.5 months in prison due to accusations of delivering false testimony. His legal troubles trace back to protests in 2013 against the Turkish government's controversial plans to demolish a public park in Istanbul.

Ergenc initially claimed that he had only professional connections to the protest organizers, comprised of fellow actors and directors. However, evidence emerged in the form of messages and photographs, indicating a more personal involvement in the protests.

Presently, Ergenc remains free as he awaits the outcome of his appeal. A recent court hearing faced postponement, keeping his future in a state of limbo. Despite the severity of the allegations, Ergenc's sentence is relatively light, and there remains potential for it to be suspended.