Selin Ciğerci recalls 'inexplicable fear and pain' after transphobic attack in Konya

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Selin Ciğerci, a renowned social media personality and a businessperson, has responded to yesterday's (March 12) attempted attack on her in Konya, central Turkey.

During the opening of a new branch of her beauty salons, a crowd of dozens of people had gathered outside the store, chanting slogans against her. The police had prevented the attack from turning physical.

In a written statement on Instagram today, Ciğerci said, "I find it difficult to describe the fear and pain I experienced. The only thing that I remember from those moments was that I struggled to protect those around me."

She thanked the Konya police for their timely intervention, which she said "saved me from this terrible attack."

"... when I returned home, I found my dear mother and dear father devastated. Both said, 'Come live with us. We'll protect you from everything.' Moreover, my mother had fainted and my father had been saved at the last moment from falling into a diabetic coma.

"I have a hard time controlling my emotions and I still can't explain the events without crying. I would like to thank all my friends and fans who have called me, sent messages, and supported me on social media since the incident.

"May God bless everyone who reminded me that I am not alone, saw that I have no other purpose than to employ countless families, and stood by me and supported me.

"I believe that love and tolerance will make the world beautiful."

Ciğerci, who acquired fame through social media, owns a cosmetic products firm and a beauty salons chain named "Selin Beauty."

She had married Gökhan Çıra, a football player, in October 2019. The couple, who are divorced now, announced in January that they had adopted a baby, which led to a transphobic media campaign against her. (EMK/VK)