Controversy has arisen from Timur Ülker’s candid revelations about his past during the current season of "Ich bin ein Star - Holt mich hier raus!" (Dschungelcamp). The 35-year-old actor, known for his role on light-hearted soap "Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten," recounted his first sexual experience, which involved a teacher at the age of 14 or 15.
Ülker’s admission took place during emotional campfire discussions typical of the reality competition. He shared with his fellow contestants how his virginity was lost to an adult woman he referred to as his first sexual partner. "It felt surreal," Ülker remarked. The incident occurred during a vacation to Turkey, where he described the encounter as something unexpected, saying, "It just happened, and it felt totally surreal at the time. But now, I see it as quite problematic, even though it didn't scar me back then."
His story evoked stark reactions from his fellow contestants, particularly from many of the camp’s younger mothers. Lilly Becker expressed her disapproval, stating firmly, "Such behavior is disgusting. You simply cannot tolerate this kind of interaction between adults and children."
Another contestant, Pierre Sanoussi-Bliss, chimed in with his own experience, echoing similar circumstances. At 13, he had his first encounter with someone much older, later realizing the concerning aspects of such relationships.
Jan Köppen, one of the show’s moderators, weighed in on the discussions surrounding Ülker and Sanoussi-Bliss's revelations. He affirmed, "It is fortunate neither of these experiences has left emotional scars on Pierre or Timur. Still, it remains criminal behavior. No consent can be truly valid when there’s such age disparity and established authority." This perspective underscored the societal norms and laws surrounding underage sexuality.
The outrage surrounding these stories has led to broader discussions on child protection and awareness of sexual conduct among minors. The show’s producers, acknowledging the sensitive nature of the revelations, emphasized its responsibility to address such urgent societal issues. Their comments pointed out the necessity of open discourse on identifying and preventing sexual abuse.
The Dschungelcamp airs daily on RTL, engaging audiences not only with entertainment but also with candid conversations about personal experiences, sometimes taking dark and impactful turns. Throughout its 18 seasons, topics often veer from comedic to serious, reflecting cultural attitudes toward responsibility, consent, and morality.
Timur Ülker is not just known for his provocative storylines; he has made waves as both an actor and musician since joining GZSZ in 2018, where he plays the character Nihat Güney. Having accumulated over 219,000 followers on Instagram, he frequently shares personal insights alongside his music career, which includes songs like “Drama” and “Gefahr!!”
Despite the entertaining and at times ludicrous nature of reality TV, Ülker’s revelations serve to ignite discussions about the often troubling intersections of fame, youth, and morality. By openly discussing his experiences, he has unwittingly placed himself at the center of necessary dialogues about sexual awareness and protection for minors.
With Dschungelcamp set to air its finale on February 9, 2025, viewers remain engaged not only for entertainment but for the conversation topics sparked by such revelations, offering both curiosity and concern for the social responsibilities of those involved.