ALBAWABA - Turkish actress Hande Erçel sparked a wave of speculation after unfollowing her ex-boyfriend Hakan Sabaci on social media, a move that drew attention as it came seven months after their breakup.
This action coincided with significant legal developments, as Hande was subjected to an official investigation upon her arrival in Turkey regarding the infamous drug investigation, which targeted Turkish celebrities.
Erçel arrived at the prosecutor's office directly from the airport, accompanied by her legal team, to give her statement, according to reports from Turkish media. Sources indicated that blood and hair samples were taken from Hande for laboratory analysis as part of the probe, before she was later released. The case remains under investigation by both the relevant authorities and the media.
Hande Ercel and Hakan Sabanci. (Instagram)
During the probe, the Turkish actress denied taking drugs and said, "I've never taken narcotics or stimulants in my life. I've not seen Hakan Sabancı use them either."
Moreover, Turkish businessman Hakan Sabancı also revealed, "Hande never used drugs in my presence."
As part of the inquiry, suspects Koray Serenli, Mustafa Tari, Onur Talay, and Sezgin Köysüren were detained and sentenced to prison. Meanwhile, nine suspects, including Fikret Orman, Burak Elmas, Güzide Duran, and Didem Soydan, were released under judicial supervision, and one suspect was released by the prosecutor's office.
Hande Ercel and Hakan Sabanci. (Instagram)
Hande Erçel and Hakan Sabancı's relationship timeline:
- Late 2022 — First rumors
Rumors regarding Hande Erçel and Hakan Sabancı's relationship began around November 2022, but Hande denied the relationship publicly.
- Early–Mid 2023 — Relationship confirmed
By 2023, the couple confirmed they were together and quickly became one of Turkey’s most talked-about celebrity couples.
- Three years of romance (2023–2025)
Hande Erçel and Hakan Sabancı's relationship lasted nearly three years and the couple were frequently seen traveling together and sharing intimate moments on social media. Fans speculated about engagement or marriage plans.
Hande Ercel and Hakan Sabanci. (Instagram)
- Mid–Late August 2025 — Breakup signs
Hande deleted their photos from Instagram. Soon after, Hakan did the same. The media confirmed they had quietly separated.
- Late August 2025 — Breakup confirmed
The relationship was officially reported as ended after about 3 years. The reason behind their split was unknown, but fans and magazines said it could be over family disapproval of their romance, especially from Hakan’s mother or because of disagreement over marriage timing.
