Digital Phablet – Father of Teen Actress Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi Files Criminal Complaint Over Alleged Unauthorized Work and Relationship Claims
A legal dispute has erupted involving 17-year-old actress Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi, renowned for her role as Melek in NOW TV’s drama “Yeraltı.” The controversy gained significant attention in Turkey after her father submitted a criminal complaint with the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Turkish entertainment journalist Birsen Altuntaş reports that Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi’s father, Ünal Çiftçi, claims his underage daughter was hired for television projects without his consent and alleges she is involved in a romantic relationship with her co-star Hakan Çelebi, who is said to be approximately ten years her senior.
Ünal Çiftçi, who has extensive experience in the Turkish TV and film industry in catering and casting, and is also a pastry chef by profession, stated he decided to take legal action after examining WhatsApp messages from his daughter. In his official statement, he expressed concern over what he describes as a romantic relationship between his daughter and Çelebi, saying he discovered this while they were working together on the series. He further claims that his daughter was represented by OnTalent Management without his approval, despite her being a minor.
He explained, “My daughter is 17. She works as an actress with OnTalent Management. I saw through her WhatsApp messages that she was in a relationship with a man about ten years older than her on the set where she works, and I found this troubling,” according to his official complaint.
Ünal Çiftçi also mentioned that, although he and his wife, Kader Çiftçi, are currently going through a divorce, he believes parental approval should have been secured before his daughter participated in any acting projects. Consequently, he filed a criminal complaint against Gözde Yılmaz, owner of OnTalent Management, for allegedly failing to obtain his approval for her professional engagements. The complaint also includes actor Hakan Çelebi because of the alleged romantic involvement.
At this time, no charges have been formally announced, and filing a complaint does not imply guilt. Turkish authorities have not disclosed whether an investigation has been initiated or if prosecutors have decided to proceed with the case. Neither OnTalent Management, Gözde Yılmaz, Hakan Çelebi, nor Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi have publicly responded to the allegations as of now.
This case has attracted widespread media attention, especially given Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi’s prominence as one of Turkey’s most recognized young actresses. Born in 2009, she started acting as a child and has appeared in numerous TV shows, including Elif, Karadayı, Kırgın Çiçekler, Gülümse Kaderine, Dönence, İnci Taneleri, and currently portrays Melek in “Yeraltı.” She is represented by OnTalent Management and attends Mimar Sinan Fine Arts High School’s Theatre Department.
The controversy follows months of public speculation, fueled by photographs and sightings of Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi with Hakan Çelebi outside the set, which had sparked rumors of a romantic relationship among fans. Neither actor had officially confirmed the nature of their relationship before the legal proceedings were initiated.
The matter now lies with the prosecution, which will review the complaint and decide whether further action is warranted.




















