The management of Turkish channel TGRT has decided to dismiss news anchor Meltem Gunay, who appeared on air last week with a Starbucks coffee cup in front of her during the news segment. Following Starbucks' statement supporting Israel in the early days of the war in Gaza, the popular coffee chain faced a boycott in Turkey. The presence of the coffee cup sparked public outrage, leading to a boycott campaign against TGRT News.
The channel stated, "According to our institution's principles, it is strictly prohibited for the presenter to promote any company on TGRT News TV, and the news anchor and the director who acted contrary to this principle have been dismissed." Furthermore, the channel added, "We understand the sensitivities of the Turkish people regarding Gaza and their defense of it, and it is impossible to approve any action or publication contrary to that. The channel will continue to stand by the Palestinian people in Gaza."
