Influencer blackmailed over explicit photos before death at 27: family

Influencer Ayşegül Eraslan’s family now claims the internet celeb was blackmailed over sexually explicit and sensitive photos before her tragic death at 27 years old.

Hasan Yilmaz, an attorney representing Eraslan’s family, alleges that the family has solid evidence showing the blackmail pictures along with proof that the Turkish influencer received several serious threats, reports Turkish outlet Sözcü.

The family has submitted the evidence to the court. However, while the suspects involved have been identified, their statements have not yet been taken.

Yilmaz also conveyed the family’s frustration with authorities’ investigation into Eraslan’s death.

The lawyer insisted that the case should be pursued by a special unit that investigates suspicious deaths and requested transparency between investigators and the public.

Eraslan was discovered dead inside her Kağıthane home in northeastern Turkey on March 13.

According to the outlet, Eraslan’s family went to the fashion influencer’s home after they were unable to get in touch with her.

When nobody answered the door, the family contacted police. Authorities pronounced her dead at the scene after they found her body.

Police sent multiple pieces of evidence, including Eraslan’s cellphone, written notes found in her home and blood samples allegedly found on the knife that was apparently used to kill her, to forensic laboratories.

The Kağıthane Public Security Bureau’s investigation later revealed that Eraslan returned home from an Egyptian vacation March 11, and entered her building with her suitcase.

Security footage revealed actor Sunay Kurtuluș may have been the last person to see Eraslan before her death, as he was seen entering Eraslan’s apartment an hour before she died. He stayed briefly before leaving the building.

Police brought Kurtuluș in for questioning, and he was later released after giving a statement.

In a March 15 statement, Kurtuluș’ attorneys alleged the actor was “only questioned as part of the investigation and has provided the necessary statements to the relevant authorities from the very beginning of the process.”

Kurtuluș’ lawyers also emphasized that he was “not at the scene of the incident at the time it occurred,” and called out other reports labeling him as the “primary party involved.”

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ayşegül Eraslan,” his attorneys continued. “We pray for God’s mercy upon her and offer our condolences to her family, relatives, and loved ones.”