Turkish influencer Ayşegül Eraslan’s family raises blackmail concerns in ongoing probe
The victim's family says she may have been blackmailed before her death in March
The family of Turkish influencer Ayşegül Eraslan, who was found dead in her home earlier this year, is alleging that she may have been the victim of blackmail involving sexually explicit images prior to her death, as they demand greater transparency in the ongoing investigation.
Eraslan, 27, was discovered lifeless inside her residence in Kağıthane, northeastern Turkey, on March 13 after relatives became unable to reach her and alerted authorities, according to local outlets Sözcü and Cumhuriyet.
Police later confirmed she was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency teams arrived.According to earlier reports, investigators have examined forensic evidence, including Eraslan’s cellphone, handwritten notes found in her home, and blood samples taken from a knife allegedly linked to the incident.
Authorities are still working to determine the full circumstances surrounding her death.
In a statement obtained by Sözcü, the family’s lawyer criticized the pace and transparency of the investigation, claiming they possess evidence suggesting Eraslan had been subjected to blackmail over explicit photos in the period leading up to her death.
The lawyer urged police to provide clearer updates as the case continues.
Eraslan, who had more than 361,000 followers on Instagram, built her online presence by sharing fashion content, lifestyle posts, and travel imagery.
She first rose to public attention after appearing on the Turkish fashion competition show İşte Benim Stilim (This Is My Style) before transitioning into a full-time influencer career.
Reports from Sözcü state that Eraslan returned to her apartment on March 11 following a trip to Egypt.
Security footage allegedly reviewed by investigators shows a man identified as actor Sunay Kurtuluș entering her residence approximately an hour before her death and leaving shortly afterward.
Kurtuluș was later questioned by police but released after providing a statement.
His legal representatives have since denied any wrongdoing, stating on Instagram that he cooperated fully with authorities and was not present at the time of the incident.
They also criticized media coverage, suggesting he was a central figure in the case, while expressing condolences to Eraslan’s family.