Hande Ercel breaks silence on rumours of calling Shah Rukh Khan `uncle`

Turkish actor Hande Erçel has firmly denied viral claims suggesting that she referred to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan as “uncle,” putting an end to a wave of online speculation and backlash. The controversy erupted following the Joy Awards held in Riyadh, where both Erçel and Khan were present, and a short video clip featuring the Turkish star filming at the event began circulating widely on social media.

Hande reacted to the post

Soon after, a screenshot allegedly taken from Hande Erçel’s Instagram story went viral. The image claimed she had written, “Who is this uncle? I was just filming Amina Khalil. I am not his fan. Please stop spreading false information.” The post triggered outrage among Shah Rukh Khan’s fans, with many accusing the actor of being disrespectful toward the global icon.

However, Hande Erçel was quick to shut down the rumour. Responding directly to the circulating screenshot, she clarified that the post was not authentic. In a brief but clear statement, the actor stated, “This is fake,” categorically denying that she made any such comment about Shah Rukh Khan. Her response helped curb the growing misinformation and brought clarity to the situation.

Sources close to the event revealed that Erçel was, in fact, filming her friend and fellow actor Amina Khalil, who was co hosting the awards ceremony alongside Shah Rukh Khan. The misunderstanding appears to have stemmed from incorrect assumptions made by social media users who believed the camera was pointed at Khan, leading to the false narrative.

What had happened?

Following her clarification, several fans rallied in support of Hande Erçel, condemning the spread of fake screenshots and misinformation. Many appreciated her decision to address the issue promptly and directly, while others highlighted how easily false content can be manipulated and circulated online.

The incident once again underscores the challenges public figures face in the age of viral content, where unverified screenshots and edited posts can spark unnecessary controversy within minutes. With her denial, Hande Erçel has effectively put the matter to rest, reminding audiences of the importance of fact checking before drawing conclusions.

As the dust settles, the focus shifts back to celebrating the global appeal of both stars, whose presence at the international awards ceremony had otherwise been a moment of cross cultural admiration rather than conflict.