A viral video from 29 August of a Turkish technology CEO throwing a flowerpot at an employee has ignited nationwide outrage and sparked a heated exchange between the two men.
The incident, involving ShiftDelete founder Hakkı Alkan and longtime staff member Samet Jankovic, has quickly escalated from workplace conflict to public controversy.
Allegations of Harassment and Legal Demands
Reports state that the confrontation came to light after CCTV footage circulated online, showing Alkan hurling a pot filled with gravel at Jankovic during an office dispute.
Jankovic later claimed he endured constant pressure and harassment at work, saying he was left to manage daily video production without proper support or overtime pay.
In his own video, Jankovic addressed viewers directly: “How do you treat your employees? What country are we living in that this is even possible?” He added that he had obtained medical documentation of the assault and initiated legal proceedings.
Alkan, meanwhile, insisted the situation was misrepresented. Posting a statement on X, he claimed Jankovic’s lawyer had demanded 5.5 million TL in compensation.
“I said I would cover Samet’s severance, but when I mentioned the amount was too high, they told me, ‘We can’t agree.’ After that, these videos came out,” he said.
Public Apology and Counterclaims
Facing mounting criticism, Alkan released another video apologizing to both Jankovic and the company’s supporters. “I disappointed many people. You will never see me in such a sad situation again. I promise you,” he said, pledging to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Jankovic responded on social media, clarifying that the compensation figure was set by his legal team, not himself. “Everyone knows how much I contributed to this company. I wish this hadn’t happened. The 5 million didn’t come from me—my lawyers decided that,” he wrote.
Alkan later struck a conciliatory tone, thanking Jankovic for his contributions and urging that the matter remain “a lesson that should not be repeated.”
Wider Impact and Industry Scrutiny
ShiftDelete, one of Turkey’s most prominent technology news outlets, has long positioned itself as a leading voice in digital publishing. The scandal, however, has cast a shadow over its reputation and drawn attention to workplace conditions in Turkey’s fast-paced media sector.
The footage, viewed millions of times across social media platforms, has also triggered broader conversations about toxic management practices, labor rights, and professional stress in the tech and publishing industries.
Legal proceedings are ongoing, with both men standing by their claims. As of right now, the flowerpot controversy has spread outside of ShiftDelete’s newsroom and is now being used as a test case for workplace accountability in Turkey’s digital media environment.
Watch the videos here:
CEO of one of the largest tech YouTube channels in Turkey (ShiftDelete) throwing a pot filled with pebbles at his employee's head
byu/nuttybudd infacepalm
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Man in Turkey Sets Tractor on Fire, Accidentally Burns Himself
Turkish News Anchor Ends Broadcast With Surprise Kitten Adoption Call
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
