Authorities said that a 19-year-old talent show contestant in Turkey was shot in the head after she had reportedly received death threats warning her not to appear on the televised series.
According to Turkish media reports, Mutlu Kaya, 19, was shot in the head and is now battling for her life as she remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Kaya is from the conservative Kurdish region, where woman mostly perform traditional roles. The local reports suggested that she received the death threats for her choice to travel to Istanbul for the show.
A report from the Associated Press, however, stated that Kaya was shot Monday through the window of her home by an ex-boyfriend. Police said her former lover Veysel E. was arrested and charged with attempted murder. Two other men were also taken into custody, but later released.
The show Kaya was featured on is called Sesi Cok Guzel. It is much like the U.S. version of America’s Got Talent and airs on Fox TV Turkey. The show’s title literally means the “most beautiful voice” or “sounds so good.”
The teen had been mentored by Sibel Can, who is one of Turkey’s most well-known folk singers.
For more daily news stories follow Michelle on Twitter @PhilaMichelle