Turkish man faces unwanted attention over striking resemblance to Epstein

• A Turkish man says his life has been disrupted by viral comparisons linking his appearance to Jeffrey Epstein.
• The case has sparked debate over online shaming and the real-world impact of social media.

In the central Turkish city of Kayseri, a 55-year-old man has found himself unwillingly thrust into public attention because of his appearance.

Refat Ozdemir became the focus of widespread discussion on social media and in local media outlets due to what many describe as a striking resemblance to Jeffrey Epstein, the American billionaire accused of serious sexual crimes.

The comparisons intensified after the United States Department of Justice released additional Epstein-related files in January 2026, reviving global attention on the disgraced financier.

As images from the case resurfaced, users began circulating side-by-side photos of Ozdemir and Epstein, turning the resemblance into a viral talking point and, for Ozdemir, a source of distress.

From a joke to daily struggle

Ozdemir said the issue began casually when his nephew jokingly remarked, “Uncle, you look a lot like Jeffrey Epstein.” Curious and unaware of Epstein at the time, Ozdemir searched online and soon learned about the crimes associated with the name. “I did not know who he was before that,” Ozdemir told local media on February 7, 2026. “Then I learned about him through the news. I do not want to be compared to someone like that.”

As the images spread on platforms including Instagram and X, the resemblance became a daily burden. Ozdemir said he now faces uncomfortable stares in public spaces. “When I walk in the street, people look at me harshly,” he said. “No one insults me directly, but their looks are enough. I can feel what they are thinking through their eyes.” He stressed that he is “an ordinary citizen who works hard” and has no connection to the crimes linked to Epstein.

Changing his appearance to escape

In an effort to ease the pressure, Ozdemir said he plans to make noticeable changes to his appearance. He intends to alter his hairstyle and may grow a beard, despite not preferring it, to reduce the resemblance. “I will do everything possible to change how I look,” he said, adding that even facial wrinkles have fueled the comparisons, making the task more difficult.

Mixed reactions online

The story has drawn mixed reactions across social media. Some users have treated the resemblance as a superficial coincidence or a joke, while others expressed sympathy for Ozdemir, warning against linking ordinary individuals to criminal reputations based solely on appearance. Posts calling for respect and privacy have circulated widely, with many emphasizing the need to separate looks from actions.

Turkish media outlets report that the story continues to attract attention, highlighting the personal toll such viral comparisons can take.